ANIMAL TECHNICIAN IV

Scripps Research Translational Institute; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, CA is seeking an Animal Resources Technician to assist the Animal Resources Supervisor in daily operations of the animal facility. You will help maintain animal care, ensure environment safety, and support compliance with regulatory guidelines.

The role involves training staff, monitoring health and welfare, performing procedures under supervision, and coordinating with research teams to ensure smooth, ethical animal care and data collection.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Seven years animal care experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in life science or Vet tech/AALAS cert may substitute for experience.
• Strong interpersonal and technical skills required.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays and lift 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist Animal Resources Supervisor in daily animal facility operations.
• Support staff training on facility management and husbandry.
• Assist veterinary staff with animal health observations and treatments.
• Ensure daily health observations, treatments, and experimental manipulations are completed.
• Record-keeping for breeding, health, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain cages, equipment, and sanitation; handle waste and biohazard safety.
• Support with facility maintenance and QA reporting as needed.
• Collaborate with research staff on animal health, breeding, and regulatory issues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical competency

Weekend/holiday rotation flexibility

Physical strength (lifting 50 lbs)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Life science degree / Vet tech associate or AALAS cert substitute

Job description

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists the Animal Resources Supervisor with the daily operation of an animal facility to ensure all animals in the facility are properly maintained, the environment is appropriate, staff adheres to safety practices, standard operating procedures are followed, and the operation is in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Monitors and assists assigned staff with daily work schedule and ensures completion of assigned work according to Departmental standard operating procedures.
• Assists with training staff on facility management & husbandry procedures.
• Assists veterinary staff in training of staff on animal health observations and treatments.
• Assists the Supervisor in ensuring daily health observations, treatments, and experimental manipulations are completed satisfactorily.
• May assist with Compiling monthly billing. May document and report weekly facility QA with appropriate follow-ups.
• Ensures all facility maintenance and security needs are met. Performs daily health observations and routine care including physical examinations, treatments, and vaccinations. Performs clinical and research related techniques such as injections, sampling of bodily fluids, tissue harvest.
• May perform pathology and laboratory procedures such as prosection, clinical pathology and parasitology tests. Maintains all pertinent records.
• Implements specific breeding schemes of specialized rodents, establishes new matings, retires breeders, identifies pregnant animals, completes all breeding records and cards.
• Communicates with research staff on issues involving animal health, breeding, or regulatory matters.
• Cleans, sanitizes and autoclaves caging, equipment and refills water bottles. May also clean and replace excreta pans or pads.
• Maintains cagewash equipment including cleaning the screens, jets and manifolds.
• Performs preventative maintenance such as descaling tanks and polishing machine.
• Performs general housekeeping duties including but not limited to sweeping and mopping work areas and hallways. Properly disposes of waste.
• Assists with the health monitoring program including testing for parasites.
• Receives feed, bedding, and supplies. Autoclaves feed, bedding, and cages in preparation for use.
• May perform specialized tasks in infectious agent quarters, quarantine areas, or animal facilities adhering to regulations pertaining to biohazards while maintaining traffic patterns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum seven years animal care experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in a life science, Associate's degree in veterinary technology, or AALAS certification and three plus years previous animal care experience may be substituted for total experience required.
• Effective interpersonal relation skills.
• Must demonstrate competency in technical procedures.
• Those not assigned to a Dedicated Weekend Schedule (Fri-Mon) OR Sat/Sun only schedule, must be able to work weekend and holiday rotations.
• With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to work with animals for up to 8 hours a day and lift feed bags and animal cages up to 50 pounds; as well as perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists and hands. This position may also include utilizing latex gloves and working in an environment that contains animal dander and dust particles. Further details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• LATG Certification is preferred

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.