GRAF Animal Technologist

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is seeking a GRAF Animal Technologist to support investigators in germ‑free animal research. You will care for animals in specialized film isolators, monitor health and welfare, and maintain meticulous records within the GRAF facility.

You will assist with routine interventions, culture preparation, and documentation while upholding animal care protocols and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience (not typically required to have a four‑year degree).
• Experience working with rodent colonies in an academic research environment.
• AALAS certification at any level.
• Computer knowledge and skills such as Word and Excel.
• Availability for weekend and holiday schedules as part of a shared rotation for animal surveillance.
• Good written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks and stay organized while respecting confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily animal health checks and cage changes for experimental film isolators.
• Assists with experimental supply preparation.
• Assists research specialists with experimental interventions.
• Prepares weekly film isolator cultures.
• Prepares stock materials for autoclave processing and sterilization cylinders for isolator stocking.
• Re-wraps filters on sterilization cylinders and processes BT‑Sure indicators.
• Checks cultures daily and assists with sanitation and related tasks.
• Prepares study-related documentation such as protocol worksheets and adverse event reports.
• Maintains quality and safety control measures and documents equipment checks and improvements.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Skills

AALAS certification

Word

Excel

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Vocational training or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory software

Job description

About The Department

BSD ARC - GRAF

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago supports animal research by ensuring humane care and proper use of all laboratory animals. It oversees all research animals on campus, manages six facilities and a business office, and includes husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, and finance/administration. ARC is part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities, which also manages BSD core facilities. The Gnotobiotics Facility maintains germ‑free animal colonies in film isolators and supports BSD investigators by providing breeding, colony management, and experimental services through specialized gnotobiotics staff.

Job Summary

The job provides clinical research laboratories with technical support. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. Completes work with a moderate degree of supervision.

The GRAF Animal Technologist supports investigators and research programs involving animal models. This position is responsible for the care, handling, and health maintenance of germ‑free animals housed in specialized film isolators within the Gnotobiotics Research Animal Facility (GRAF).

The GRAF Animal Technologist monitors animal health, behavior, and welfare; maintains accurate records and documentation; and ensures compliance with established animal care protocols. Additional responsibilities include maintaining facility equipment and supplies, preparing health and welfare reports as needed, and assisting fellow animal technologists with daily operational and research support activities.

Responsibilities

• Performs animal health checks daily and cage change for experimental film isolators
• Assists with experimental supply preparation
• Assists research specialists with experimental interventions
• Prepares weekly film isolator cultures
• Prepares stock materials for autoclave processing and sterilization cylinders for isolator stocking
• Re-wraps filters on sterilization cylinders, process BT‑Sure indicators
• Checks cultures daily, prepare Chlorine Dioxide, process autoclave cycles, assist with facility sanitation
• Prepare study‑related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum qualifications include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four‑year degree).

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2‑5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• College/University Degree in related field.

Experience

• Experience working with rodent colonies in an academic research environment.

Licenses Or Certifications

• AALAS certification at any level.

Preferred Competencies

• Computer knowledge and skills such as Word and Excel.
• Availability for weekend and holiday schedules as part of a shared rotation for animal surveillance.
• Good written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
• Must be detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer‑based work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Pay Range

$21.63 - $28.85

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.