Cage Processing Technician

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cage Processing Technician at UNC Chapel Hill operates cage washing, bottle washing and autoclave equipment, and performs processing and sanitizing of cages and water bottles.

This on-site role requires healthful work in a laboratory animal setting, handling temperatures, logs, and occasional weekend shifts; a high school diploma or equivalent and AALAS ALAT certification are preferred.

Hours are 7:00am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday. Safety and compliance with AAALAC standards are expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting preferred.
• AALAS ALAT certification or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate cage washing, bottle washing, and filling equipment and autoclaves.
• Process and sanitize cages and water bottles; monitor equipment temperatures and maintain duty logs.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and maintenance; assist with safety and compliance tasks.
• Occasional weekend and holiday work as needed.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Comparative Medicine-621500
• Career Area: Laboratory Management and Services
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• Posting Open Date: 09/23/2026
• Application Deadline: 10/01/2026
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title: Research Technician - Contributing
• Salary Grade Equivalent: MH04 / GN04
• Working Title: Cage Processing Technician
• Position Number: 00061669
• Vacancy ID: P021406
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Weekends and Holidays on occasion.
• Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $34,320-$39,000
• Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
• Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is responsible for the care of all vertebrate animals on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)-CH campus. DCM is committed to programs of excellence in veterinary care and laboratory animal management practices for all species used in UNC-CH research endeavors. A staff of more than 170 professional, technical, and administrative personnel provides quality animal care to a daily population of over 200,000 animals located in 26 animal facilities on and off the UNC campus. Federal funding and foundations sponsor over $1 billion in research on the UNC campus conducted by the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. A major responsibility of the Division's veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory technicians is the health care and humane use of all animals. The Division's program is reviewed semi-annually by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and has been accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) since 1973. DCM and the University also meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Public Health Service standards and regulations. As laboratory animal specialists they provide a comprehensive program of veterinary care, offer technical advice and assistance, and provide needed laboratory and research core services for teaching and research purposes.

Position Summary

The Cage Processing Technician is responsible for operating a number of industrial machines, including cage washing equipment, bottle washing equipment, bottle filling equipment, autoclaves, and additional equipment as necessary. The technician is also responsible for the following: processing and sanitizing cages, equipment, and water bottles; operating, maintaining, and recording temperatures on cage processing equipment and autoclaves; and maintaining and monitoring equipment and duty log records. Emergency duties required during adverse weather and/or other emergency situations. Weekend and holiday work required occasionally on a rotating basis.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the ALAT level or higher.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to move/lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Requires prolonged and/or repetitive reaching, bending, and twisting.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory, Overtime occasionally

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325869

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.