Animal Research Technician (Temporary- Potential Permanent)

Charles River; Michigan; On-site; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River in Mattawan, MI is looking for a temporary Animal Research Technician. This role may become permanent and involves animal care, administering substances, and collecting data.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Experience in animal handling and biological sciences is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa.
• Ability to ensure a safe working environment by following safety procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide humane care for all animals with positive interactions.
• Collect, document, and verify data in electronic systems.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment according to SOPs.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work extended hours

Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office)

Animal handling

Data collection/recording

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in biological science preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Animal Research Technician (Temporary-Potential Permanent)

Location: Mattawan, MI, 49071

We are seeking a temporary Animal Research Technician with potential to become permanent at our Safety Assessment site. The pay for this position is $19/hour plus non-CRL benefits.

A Technician assists management, scientists, veterinarians, and study-related items. The technician performs basic skills independently and continues to work under supervision to gain proficiency on skills that are still in development. Responsibilities include administering substances to animals, performing husbandry duties (cleaning/transporting cages, providing food and water), observing animals to determine morbidity/mortality, and collecting and handling data and specimens.

In this role, expect to perform husbandry duties including the following:

• Cleaning/transporting cages
• Providing food and water
• Observing animals to determine general health concerns
• Collecting and handling data and specimens
• Administering substances to animals

Training Schedule:

• Week 1: Monday Afternoon, Tuesday‑Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM
• Week 2+: Monday‑Friday 7:00AM* – 3:30PM*

Potential Permanent Schedules (may vary based on business need):

• Monday – Friday with weekend and holiday rotations 07:00AM – 3:30PM
• Sunday – Thursday with holiday rotations 07:00AM – 3:30PM
• Tuesday – Saturday with holiday rotations 07:00AM – 3:30PM
• Wednesday – Saturday with holiday rotations 07:00AM – 3:30PM
• Saturday – Wednesday with holiday rotations 07:00AM – 3:30PM

All roles and shifts require flexibility to work extended hours outside of scheduled shift based on business need, sometimes with short notice.

Success Criteria

• Character: Unquestionable integrity. Respect for all.
• Coachable: Eager to receive feedback. Open to making improvements.
• Commitment: Dedicated to animals, clients/studies, and team.
• Collaborative: Team player. Eager to help.
• Communicative: Proactively asks questions. Provides complete answers.
• Competent: Continuously and proactively hones and expands skill sets.

Job Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent in a biological science preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond the normal work schedule, including evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts on short notice.
• Ability to ensure a safe working environment by observing all safety procedures and working methods, making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and reading, understanding, and following all safety documents.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive interactions.
• Train in onboarding skills which may include animal handling, husbandry, observations, basic physiological indices, and data collection/recording to support each skill.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms or in electronic data capture systems.
• Maintain appropriate communication with other personnel.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment according to SOPs.
• Capable of repetitive gripping, pinching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Job requires ability to independently routinely lift or carry up to 50 lbs, or team lift weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Perform repeated twisting, bending, and reaching; exposure to hot and/or humid environments.

Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.