Research Animal Technician - CAF

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Animal Technician will be part of a client-focused team of skilled laboratory animal technicians supporting a variety of research species within the Central Animal Facility. The role emphasizes the care and management of genetically modified mouse breeding colonies and rodents used in neuroscience research. Other species may include dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Responsibilities include providing technical support and mentorship to research teams in procedures such as gavage, blood collection, injections, anesthesia, surgery, euthanasia, tissue collection, and humane intervention assessments. The technician will also train new staff, graduate students, and undergraduates in animal care, handling, restraint, and colony management. Maintaining accurate medical records and clear communication with research teams is essential to ensuring high standards of animal health and welfare. The position also contributes to facility biosecurity through cage wash operations, chemical inventory and ordering, and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets. The technician will provide workplace-specific chemical training to staff and may be assigned duties in other campus facilities, including the Isolation Facility/Production Animal Isolation Unit.

Requirements

Completion of a Veterinary Technician diploma (two years of community college) plus one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of research methodologies, animal care standards, and emerging technologies.
Experience with facility equipment (cage washers, autoclaves, biological safety cabinets, ventilated cages, anesthetic machines).
Understanding of anesthetic techniques for laboratory animals.
Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines, the Animals for Research Act, Canadian Biosafety Standards, and Ontario Health and Safety Act.
Familiarity with disease transmission, containment, sterilization, and handling of Level 2 pathogens.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and strong computer skills.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think analytically and creatively.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively while prioritizing multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
Tissue collection skills considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Monitor animal health and provide humane interventions to ensure physical and psychological wellbeing.
Maintain and update departmental standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with Animal Utilization Protocols, Biosafety permits, and relevant legislation.
Provide oversight and guidance to part-time employees and volunteers.
Clean, disinfect and maintenance of animal housing rooms.
Receiving of rodents to the facility.
Data entry for tracking animal census.
Cage wash operations, chemical inventory and ordering, and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets.
Provide workplace-specific chemical training to staff.
May be assigned duties in other campus facilities, including the Isolation Facility/Production Animal Isolation Unit.
Provide technical support and mentorship to research teams in procedures such as gavage, blood collection, injections, anesthesia, surgery, euthanasia, tissue collection, and humane intervention assessments.
Train new staff, graduate students, and undergraduates in animal care, handling, restraint, and colony management.
Maintain accurate medical records and clear communication with research teams.