Animal Technician

Aragen Life Sciences; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Aragen Bioscience in Morgan Hill, California, is seeking an Animal Technician to perform daily care and husbandry of laboratory animals, primarily mice and rats, in a compliant vivarium environment. You will support study directors, handle cage setup and transfers, maintain records, and assist with routine sanitation, equipment checks, and study-related documentation.

This hands-on role requires attention to animal welfare, ability to work as part of a team, and willingness to perform physically

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Animal Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Experience with laboratory animals is preferred but not required.
• Vivarium/animal-care or research-lab experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare.
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily care and observation of laboratory animals, primarily mice and rats.
• Maintain cage records and ensure proper identification.
• Assist with animal receiving, housing, transfers, and study-related movements.
• Maintain compliance with IACUC protocols and biosecurity practices.
• Restock bedding, feed, PPE, and cleaning supplies.
• Support study directors with animal-related activities.

Skills

Animal handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Animal Science or Biology

Job description

About Us

Aragen Bioscience is a leading contract research organization focused on accelerating product development. Aragen’s offerings include antibody discovery, recombinant protein production and purification, stable cell line development as well as cell-based assays and in vivo models of disease. We offer clients high-quality service and superior R&D partnerships

Description

About Us

Aragen Bioscience is a leading contract research organization focused on accelerating product development. Aragen’s offerings include antibody discovery, recombinant protein production and purification, stable cell line development as well as cell-based assays and in vivo models of disease. We offer clients high-quality service and superior R&D partnerships

Duties

The Animal Technician is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of laboratory animals and for maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant vivarium environment. This position performs routine animal care, cage changing and washing, sanitation, room cleaning, supply management, and other facility-support activities necessary for the successful operation of preclinical research studies. Core duties:

Animal Husbandry

• Perform daily care and observation of laboratory animals, primarily mice and rats.
• Provide food, water, bedding, and environmental enrichment as required.
• Perform routine cage changes and maintain appropriate cage identification and records.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior and promptly report concerns.
• Assist with animal receiving, housing, transfers, and study-related animal movements.
• Maintain accurate animal and husbandry records.

Vivarium Operations

• Clean and sanitize animal rooms, work areas, equipment, and other vivarium spaces.
• Operate cage washers, bottle washers, autoclaves, and other facility equipment as trained.
• Perform cage washing, bedding disposal, bottle preparation, and related sanitation activities.
• Maintain clean and dirty equipment flows and follow appropriate biosecurity practices.
• Restock bedding, feed, PPE, cleaning supplies, and other vivarium materials.
• Assist with routine equipment checks and report maintenance or facility issues.

Study Support

• Support Research Associates and Study Directors with animal-related study activities as needed.
• Assist with animal identification, cage setup, room preparation, and study material organization.
• Maintain appropriate cage cards and study-related animal documentation.
• Assist with sample or animal transfers when trained and authorized.

Compliance & Animal Welfare

• Follow IACUC-approved protocols, SOPs, animal welfare requirements, and facility procedures.
• Maintain high standards of animal care, cleanliness, and sanitation.
• Complete required training and maintain appropriate animal-handling competencies.
• Promptly report animal welfare concerns, equipment problems, or deviations from established procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Animal Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with laboratory animals is preferred but not required.
• Experience in a vivarium, research laboratory, veterinary, or animal-care environment is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare and cleanliness.
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow established procedures consistently.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding and repetitive tasks in a vivarium environment.
• Ability to learn animal-handling techniques and facility procedures.

Physical / Work Requirements

This is a hands-on, vivarium-based position. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, cage handling, and repetitive cleaning activities. The employee must be comfortable working around laboratory animals, animal bedding, biological materials, and cleaning agents and must use required PPE.

Aragen Bioscience provides a stimulating work environment in which talented employees expand their technical skills and scientific knowledge and contribute directly to the ongoing success of the organization. We are in Morgan Hill, California, at the south end of the Silicon Valley. Great reverse Commute! We offer excellent salaries and benefits. Aragen is an equal opportunity employer.