Research Animal Technician - CAF

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a Research Animal Technician to support a Central Animal Facility. The role focuses on care of mouse breeding colonies and rodents used in neuroscience research, with responsibilities including training staff and ensuring high standards of animal welfare.

You will work under supervision, assist with procedures, and help maintain biosafety and SOP compliance. The position requires rotating through facilities and some weekend work.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Care and management of mouse breeding colonies and rodents used in neuroscience research.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to research teams in animal procedures.
• Train staff and students in animal care, handling, and colony management.
• Maintain medical records and communicate with research teams to ensure animal health and welfare.
• Oversee cage wash operations, chemical inventory, MSDS, and provide chemical training.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Analytical thinking

Mechanical aptitude

MS Office proficiency

Communication

Education

Veterinary Technician diploma

RLAT/RVT preferred

Tools

Cage washers

Autoclaves

Biological safety cabinets

Ventilated cages

Anesthetic machines

MS Office

Job description

Department: Campus Animal Facilities
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Reporting to the Supervisor, Campus Animal Facilities, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Other Key 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.

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

Additional Information

• Position requires availability to rotate through other campus facilities and provide essential animal care during closures (e.g., inclement weather).
• Some weekend or shift work may be required (37.5 hours/week).
• Work involves exposure to odours, allergens, noise, dust, frequent lifting, restraint of large animals, and a wide range of physical activity.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number:10095006
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary:Band 7

At the University of Guelph, fostering an inclusion culture is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:08/17/2026
Closing Date:08/24/2026