Sr Lab Animal Technician

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Lab Animal Technician provides operational and technical support for the daily functions of the Vivarium Animal Lab. Reporting to and in collaboration with the Research Animal Lab Manager, this position ensures the delivery of high-quality animal care, mentors junior husbandry staff and supports regulatory compliance across institutional and federal standards. This position provides technical expertise and guidance as a resource for supporting all research staff and animal care personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field, and two years of experience in laboratory animal care or animal husbandry; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technician level required.
Ability to keeping up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job.
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill in decision making by considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and choosing the most appropriate one.
Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Ability to perform maintenance, to follow instructions, and to interpret drawings and diagrams.
Ability to complete an Occupational Health Medical history review and receive clearance to work with animals prior to commencing work.
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification as Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
Must be up-to-date and remain current on Tetanus vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of two years work experience providing responsible laboratory animal care in a Vivarium Animal Lab facility.

Responsibilities

Assist the Research Animal Lab Manager with day-to-day oversight of Vivarium operations, proactively identifying and communicating animal welfare issues, facility concerns, and opportunities for process improvement.
Provides guidance, training and technical mentorship to students and animal user; supports skill development and adherence to institutional protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
Assist in developing and maintaining SOPs, ensures compliance with IACUC and other regulatory agencies, and maintains required records and inspection documentation.
Conduct daily inspection of animal housing and support areas; reviews check sheets and observation logs; documents and reports findings; coordinates with compliance staff during periodic formal inspections.
Performs and assists with technical procedures including blood collection, dosing, tissue harvesting, euthanasia and other research support activities as authorized under active IACUC protocols.
Operate and train others on the use of cage wash units, autoclaves, and other facility equipment
Coordinates animal and supply shipment and inventory, oversee the distribution of facility supplies and track inventory levels. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.