Lab Animal Behavioral Technician I: Habituation & Enrichment

Charles River Laboratories; Ashland (OH); On-site; USD 54,443,000 - 66,125,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Laboratories is seeking a Lab Animal Behavioral Technician I to support acclimation, enrichment, and conditioning activities that prepare animals for study procedures. This role is ideal for individuals with animal care, husbandry, veterinary, or life sciences backgrounds who are passionate about animal welfare.

You will work with a Veterinary Services team to ensure high standards of care, accurate records, and collaboration across labs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 1 year relevant experience, or an Associate degree.
• Experience with animals in research, husbandry, veterinary, shelter, kennel, or similar setting.
• Ability to safely handle common laboratory animal species.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle animals and assist with acclimation programs that prepare animals for study procedures.
• Support behavioral management initiatives through basic operant conditioning techniques.
• Maintain, track, and review data related to acclimation and enrichment programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to behavioral management programs.
• Receive, label, store, and organize food and enrichment supplies.
• Assist with food preparation and enrichment inventory management.
• Provide appropriate environmental and social enrichment opportunities for animals.
• Build, maintain, and evaluate enrichment devices.
• Collaborate with veterinary, animal care, and other laboratory medicine teams to ensure animal welfare standards are met.

Skills

Animal handling

Recordkeeping

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Animal Science/Life Sciences

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or Life Sciences

Job description

Charles River Laboratories is seeking a Lab Animal Behavioral Technician I to support acclimation, enrichment, and conditioning activities that prepare animals for study procedures. This role is ideal for individuals with animal care, husbandry, veterinary, or life sciences backgrounds who are passionate about animal welfare.

You will work with a Veterinary Services team to ensure high standards of care, accurate records, and collaboration across labs.