Comparative Medicine Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance

Retirement programs with employer contributions

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, North Carolina is seeking an Animal Husbandry Technician. This role involves providing humane care for research animals while performing general husbandry duties. Candidates must have a high school diploma and be able to achieve AALAS ALAT certification within 18 months. The position offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and tuition assistance. This is an on-site position requiring strong customer service skills and the ability to work in a high-energy research environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift and move 50lbs regularly.
• Must be able to work on a rotating on-call schedule after hours, on weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform general husbandry duties involving handling of various animal models.
• Document critical facility data daily as required by regulatory agencies.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

Strong customer service skills

Experience with animal care and handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification within 18 months

Job description

Animal Husbandry Technician

Duke University's Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) is looking for animal husbandry technicians to join our dynamic organization. We are a team of highly trained individuals dedicated to the humane care and use of research animals. DLAR is committed to maintaining the highest quality laboratory animal program and serves as a resource center for Duke investigators and their labs.

Daily, you will use strong customer service skills and enjoy working with similarly dedicated teammates within a high‑energy research environment. Your customer‑focused attitude, positive energy, and dedication to the research animals will be utilized in this rewarding opportunity, while you continue to learn and grow in an academic research support environment.

Work Arrangement

On‑Site

Preferred Qualifications

Some experience in the care and handling of animals is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• AALAS ALAT certification must be obtained within 18 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Daily, you will perform general husbandry duties involving the handling of conventional and genetically engineered animal models with varying health statuses, in compliance with DLAR and Duke policies and standard operating procedures.
• Specific duties may include: processing incoming animals, changing cages, maintaining animal rooms, operating cage wash and other facility equipment, performing animal health checks, monitoring overcrowded cages, participating in animal quarantine and health surveillance programs, reporting facility and environmental issues, performing routine euthanasia, and providing enrichment to the animals.
• You will be expected to document critical facility data daily as required by regulatory agencies and Duke standards and processes.
• You will be required to communicate professionally and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Ability to lift and move 50lbs. regularly and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to work on a rotating on‑call schedule after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.
• As a safeguard for you and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed.
• Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required before working with specific animals or animal populations, as determined by occupational health medical personnel.
• Employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure to any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

Benefits

Beyond this meaningful work supporting important research studies at Duke, you’ll also benefit from Duke’s competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for both employees and their children, and more benefits unique to both Duke and DLAR.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.49. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).