Laboratory Mechanic I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Mechanic I works under general supervision to support animal husbandry and research operations for Texas A&M University’s Comparative Medicine Program. The position provides animal husbandry equipment deliveries, minor vivarium maintenance, general repairs, cage setups, autoclaving of biohazardous loads, and cleaning and maintenance of CMP and CMP-supported areas with access restrictions related to Animal Bio Safety Lab requirements.

The role supports vivarium operations by maintaining and repairing equipment and facilities, delivering and setting up equipment, autoclaving biohazardous items, assisting with cage washing and setup, and cleaning designated laboratory care areas. Work follows established procedures and applicable animal welfare, quality assurance, and laboratory animal care and use requirements. Access to restricted areas requires successful completion of required training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience in mechanical and/or building trades or laboratory and/or vivarium maintenance.
• Class C vehicle operator’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to work from pencil sketches, plans, blueprints, and broken or worn parts used as patterns.
• Knowledge of saws, drill presses, sanders, and other machines.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to lift heavy objects.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of applicable vivarium support experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with overall LARR vivarium maintenance and operations.
• Repair equipment, including paint, electrical, and plumbing repairs, and help ensure animal-room environments meet applicable animal welfare SOP standards.
• Perform routine service and preventive maintenance on carts, racks, and cages.
• Construct, repair, maintain, and install electronic and mechanical equipment used in laboratories and vivaria housing research animals.
• Make daily deliveries of specialized animal husbandry equipment to CMP-supported vivaria and storage sites using personal or University-owned vehicles.
• Set up equipment, ensure it is operable, and make necessary repairs.
• Store and issue materials, supplies, and equipment; maintain records and inventory; and recommend needed purchases.
• Autoclave biohazardous loads, including water bottles, cages, and other necessary items, and maintain records of destructed items for inventory.
• Assist in cage wash facilities as needed.
• Follow established protocols and procedures and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning quality assurance and laboratory animal care and use.
• Prepare cage and bottle setups based on animal caging types, bedding requirements, and environmental enrichment specified by the on-duty supervisor.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain CMP common and non-animal laboratory care areas within BSL2/BSL3 access-restricted areas using floor-scrubbing equipment.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed by Texas A&M.
• Living Well employee wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED