Lab Animal Technician I: Humane Care & Research

University of Louisville; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Louisville is seeking a Lab Animal Technician I in the Comparative Medical Research Unit. This training position focuses on animal husbandry, cagewashing, and supportive care for laboratory animals.

You will learn to observe health, manage nutrition, handle animals safely, and assist veterinary staff with treatments, gaining foundational skills for career advancement in the vivarium.

Qualifications

• Trained to perform daily health observations on various species.
• Provide appropriate nutrition and water for research models.
• Handle animals safely and humanely.
• Maintain a clean, enriched living environment for animals.
• Change cages using aseptic techniques in rodent housing areas.
• Follow safety guidelines for biohazard and chemical hazard exposure.
• Meet enrichment needs and socialization requirements.
• Assist veterinary staff with medical treatments as needed.
• Learn basic rodent colony management and report issues.
• Operate and maintain PPE and sanitation equipment.
• Learn to assemble and sanitize cage systems and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily health observations and report issues to veterinary staff.
• Provide nutrition and water to sustain research models.
• Ensure safe, humane handling of animal species.
• Maintain clean, enriched cages and living areas.
• Change cages and sanitize rodent housing areas using aseptic technique.

Skills

Health observations

Nutritional requirements

Safe animal handling

Enrichment implementation

PPE usage

Cage washing

Sterilization procedures

Rodent colony management

Autoclave operation

Hazard awareness (bio/chemical)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Tunnel washers

Rack washers

Autoclaves

Job description

University of Louisville is seeking a Lab Animal Technician I in the Comparative Medical Research Unit. This training position focuses on animal husbandry, cagewashing, and supportive care for laboratory animals.

You will learn to observe health, manage nutrition, handle animals safely, and assist veterinary staff with treatments, gaining foundational skills for career advancement in the vivarium.