Lab Animal Aide-U

University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Retirement plans

Work-life balance: generous leave

Holidays and leave

Job summary

University of Cincinnati is hiring a Lab Animal Aide (LAA) for the Laboratory Animal Medical Services (LAMS). The role supports daily cage washing, autoclave operations, and the maintenance of clean, sterile caging equipment across multiple research facilities.

The candidate should be detail-oriented with strong communication and problem-solving skills, able to work independently or with a team, and able to stand for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Some positions may require a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team, follow safety procedures, and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate cage washing equipment and autoclaves to sanitize equipment.
• Maintain an adequate supply of clean and sterilized caging equipment.
• Keep corridors, support rooms, and procedure rooms clean and orderly.
• Maintain transportation vehicles per SOPs.
• Prepare cages for receipt of animals.
• Package animal carcasses and inventory supplies as needed.
• Disinfect and sanitize animal holding areas and equipment.
• Maintain and rotate supplies.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Independent work

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Stand for extended periods

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Cage wash equipment

Autoclaves

Tunnel washers

Rack washers

Bottle fillers

Job description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu .

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

About the Laboratory Animal Medical Services (LAMS)

The Laboratory Animal Medical Services (LAMS) department in the Office of Research at the University of Cincinnati provides husbandry and veterinary care to all vertebrate animals used in research, teaching, and testing.

Job Overview

LAMS is currently accepting applications for a Lab Animal Aide (LAA). The LAA supports daily operations in the cage wash areas by safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment - including tunnel washers, rack washers, autoclaves, and bottle fill stations to meet the caging and supply needs of multiple research facilities and a wide variety of species. The position follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure all equipment is used correctly and all cleaning, sanitization, and quality standards are consistently met. The position requires a detail-oriented individual with strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and with a team, follow safety procedures, and stand for extended periods of time.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Subject to animal bites and diseases; exposure to animal waste, urine, feces, blood, dander (allergens), and odors; exposure to dust, hot water and steam.

Essential Functions

• Operate cage washing equipment and autoclaves. Maintain the flow of clean and dirty equipment to ensure the integrity of sanitized and sterilized equipment.
• Maintain an adequate supply of clean and sterilized caging equipment for routine animal care and cage change operations.
• Maintain corridors, support rooms, and procedures rooms in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Maintain transportation vehicles per SOPs.
• Prepare cages for receipt of animals.
• May package animal carcasses and inventory supplies and animals.
• Clean animal areas, including cages, research areas, and feed and bedding areas. Disinfect and sanitize animal holding rooms, support rooms, and equipment.
• Maintain and rotate supplies.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need.

Must have a high school diploma or GED. Some positions may require a current valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Additional Qualifications Considered

Prior experience operating cage wash equipment associated with lab animal medicine (tunnel washers, rack washers, bottle fillers and autoclaves).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Must pass a physical examination and test negative for active infectious tuberculosis prior to starting employment. Must have the ability to lift up 40 pounds.

Application Process Information

A resume and cover letter are required as part of the application process. Be sure to attach prior to submitting your application.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information:$21.32

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page .

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

University of Cincinnati | 2600 Clifton Ave. | Cincinnati, OH 45221 | ph: 513-556-6000