Animal Technician

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) seeks an Animal Technician to care for zebrafish in a regulated research setting. Under supervision, you will maintain a clean, sanitized environment, monitor health, and record observations while following safety and animal husbandry protocols.

Some exposure to BSL1/2 materials with PPE provided. The role involves room checks, water testing, and possible involvement in experiments (spawning, genotyping, data analysis).

Qualifications

• At least six months experience in animal care or equivalent.
• BA/BS in Biology strongly preferred; one year of animal care/husbandry work experience is ideal.
• Must be highly motivated, detail oriented, responsible with strong organizational skills and work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Perform and record daily animal health observations and communicate any adverse findings.
• Maintain clean, orderly, and sanitized work areas and complete required documentation.
• Monitor environmental conditions, water chemistry, and room conditions; assist with equipment checks.
• Oversee invertebrate cultures and assist with feeding developmental stages; coordinate supply needs with manager.
• May assist with experiments including spawning animals, genotyping, and data analysis; some holiday and weekend coverage required.

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomeningvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

Under direction of the head of the fish facility, this position isresponsible for the daily care and husbandry of zebrafish in aresearch environment in accordance with all applicable laws and regulatory guidelines. The Animal Technician will maintain healthand well-being of laboratory zebrafish by providing a stable,sanitized environment with quality food and water and husbandrypractices. The position also involves potential exposure to BSL1 & BSL2 chemicals, but PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) andtraining will be administered and expected to be followed to ensurethe safety of the technician and compliance with the requiredsafety and animal husbandry protocols. This position will requirestanding and bending for extended periods of time and occasionallifting of up to 50 lbs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Perform and record daily animal health observations, communicateany adverse findings to the manager, and complete requireddocumentation. Technician will maintain clean, orderly andsanitized work areas - identifying any problems and notifyingaquatics facility manager, perform daily room checks forenvironmental conditions (temperature, salinity, lighting, pH),perform and record all water chemistry testing, and completerequired area documentation. Technician will monitor equipment forproper operation and complete appropriate documentation.Additionally, technician will oversee invertebrate cultures forfeeding various developmental stages, monitor supplies andcommunicate supply needs to manager in timely manner. Undersupervision, technician may assist in room training. May assistwith experiments conducted in the lab, which include spawninganimals, genotyping and data analysis. Some holiday and weekendcoverage will be required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

At least six months experience in animal care or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

BA/BS or College background in Biology is strongly preferred as isone year of animal (ideally zebrafish) care/husbandry workexperience. The job responsibilities require the analytical skillsto gather and interpret data in situations in which the informationor problems are relatively routine. The successful candidate mustbe a highly motivated, detail oriented, responsible individual withstrong organizational skills and work ethic.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one year position withthe possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance andthe availability of continued funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FASHuman Resources

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatall duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit worklocation. Individuals must meet work location sponsorshiprequirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 048. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policyand non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.