Lab Animal Technician Asst I

University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rochester is seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant to perform routine husbandry in a vivarium setting. You will support investigators, veterinary staff, and supervisors to ensure humane care and regulatory compliance across diverse laboratory animal species.

The role emphasizes precise recordkeeping, adherence to SOPs, and daily monitoring of animal welfare. Candidates should have a high school diploma and minimal relevant experience; organisms and environments are

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required (less than 1 year of relevant experience).
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• General experience with animals in a work or research environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides routine husbandry services to a variety of laboratory animal species.
• Maintains accurate animal and inventory records and follows SOPs.
• Inspects housing and equipment, ensures animal well-being, and reports issues to supervisors.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Equiv. combination of education and experience

General experience with animals in a work or research environment (preferred)

Job description

Department

400170 Vivarium M&D

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address)

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening

Worker Subtype: Regular

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Department

400170 Vivarium M&D

Work Shift

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range

UR URG 102 H

Compensation Range

$17.50 - $22.79

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant performs activities associated with providing routine husbandry services in research animal housing areas containing a variety of laboratory animal species. The individual provides general and technical support to supervisors, investigators, and veterinary staff to help ensure the humane care and well-being of research animals and compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.

Responsibilities may include animal husbandry, sanitation, stocking supplies, monitoring animal health and environmental conditions, and supporting facility operations as assigned. Some duties are technically oriented and may require physical exertion, including lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, and prolonged standing or walking.

Essential Functions

• Understands the critical role of the Animal Care Technician as an integral member of the research team and recognizes the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining the integrity and quality of research activities. Demonstrates an awareness of the potential impact that failure to perform assigned duties may have on animal welfare, research outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
• Applies knowledge of applicable standards, requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional guidelines related to laboratory animal care and use. Provides all required husbandry services to variety of species of laboratory animals and ensures that standards and conditions necessary for the proper care, health, sanitation, and maintenance of assigned animals are consistently maintained.
• Utilizes knowledge of normal animal behavior and physical condition to evaluate animal well-being through daily observation for signs of illness, injury, and distress or abnormalities and promptly reports concerns to supervisory and/or veterinary staff as per established procedures.
• Applies knowledge of applicable standards, requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional guidelines related to laboratory animal care and use. Provides all required husbandry services to variety of laboratory animal species and ensures that standards and conditions necessary for the proper care, health, sanitation, and maintenance of assigned animals are consistently maintained.
• Reads, understands, and follows posted Standard Operating Procedures and executes special instructions related to animal health, biosecurity, cage sanitation, and veterinary care. Maintains accurate records including animal inventories, supply inventories, room and cagewash logs, and special charges, and may assist with preparation of reports as requested. Understands the importance of accurate animal and project identification and applies established recordkeeping practices. Demonstrates the ability to determine the sex of common laboratory animal species (e.g. Adult, juvenile, and weanlings) and recognizes species-specific housing, biosecurity, sanitation, and sterilization requirements.
• Inspects and evaluates caging, physical plant, and other equipment for conditions affecting laboratory animal well-being and staff safety and reporting any problems. Follows through to ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Adheres to attendance requirements, maintains appropriate personal hygiene standards, and complies with institutional policies and procedures related to hazardous substances and the safe operation and use of equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent and less than 1 year of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• General experience with animals in a work environment or a research environment (preferred)

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.