Laboratory Animal Technician

The University of Auckland; Auckland; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible employment

Superannuation up to 6.75%

Five weeks' annual leave

Job summary

The University of Auckland is seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician to join its research unit. The role supports world‑leading research by ensuring the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and compliance, within a busy technical team.

You will provide animal husbandry, monitor welfare, maintain records, and assist with equipment and containment, balancing routine tasks with specialist procedures in a collaborative environment. Weekend and public holiday rostered work is required.

Job description

The University of AucklandThe University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. With just over 5,200 staff and more than...

We are seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician to join our busy research unit within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. This role plays a critical part in supporting world‑leading research by ensuring the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and compliance. You will be part of a friendly, highly skilled technical team who take pride in their work and in supporting researchers to deliver meaningful outcomes that improve lives in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing high-quality animal husbandry, hygiene, and breeding support while maintaining excellent animal health and welfare standards
• Supporting research staff and programmes through routine and specialist animal care procedures
• Monitoring animal welfare and ensuring all activities comply with Animal Ethics Committee approvals and relevant legislation
• Maintaining accurate records, databases, and documentation for animal care and operational activities
• Supporting containment, security, and hygiene standards across assigned facilities
• Assisting with the operation, maintenance, and appropriate use of equipment within the facility
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, researchers, and students in a busy research environment

This role includes weekend and public holiday rostered work.

This is afulltime (37.5h per week),permanentposition.

The salary range for this role is$63,600 - $79,300, depending on skills and experience

You are someone who is genuinely passionate about animal welfare and takes pride in delivering high standards of care. You enjoy working as part of a team, communicate clearly, and are comfortable balancing routine tasks with more specialised procedures.

You bring a practical, calm approach to your work, are confident handling animals, and understand the importance of compliance, accuracy, and professionalism in a research setting. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required for this role.

You will bring:

• Qualification in animal care or relevant practical experience
• Experience working with animals, ideally within a laboratory or research environment
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, New Zealand animal welfare and regulatory requirements
• Confidence handling both small and large animals
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good computer literacy and record‑keeping skills

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave