Laboratory Animal Technician

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking two Laboratory Animal Technicians to provide daily care for research animals, supporting investigators and maintaining animal facilities in Chapel Hill, NC.

Positions require a high school diploma, animal technician training, and experience in a laboratory animal setting. Certification by AALAS ALAT or higher is preferred, with occasional overtime and weekend duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Animal technician training.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Breeding, weaning, and record-keeping knowledge.
• AALAS ALAT certification or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Daily care of research animals including cage cleaning and sanitation.
• Animal observation, handling and restraint.
• Investigator support and communication.
• Facility maintenance and compliance with USDA/AAALAC standards.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AALAS ALAT certification

Job description

Department

Comparative Medicine-621500Career Area: Laboratory Management and Services Is this an internal only recruitment?:

08/18/2026 Application Deadline

No Posting Open Date : 08/31/2026 Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)Position Title: Research Technician - JourneySalary Grade Equivalent MH06 / GN06Working Title: Laboratory Animal TechnicianPosition Number 00003883, 00055144Vacancy ID: P021303Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time PermanentHours per week: 40Work Schedule Monday-Friday 7:00 am- 3:30pm Over time, weekends, & holidays occasionallyWork Location: CHAPEL HILL, NCPosition Location: North Carolina, USHiring Range $34,320 - $43,000Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!

Benefits

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is responsible for the care of all vertebrate animals on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) campus. DCM is committed to programs of excellence in veterinary care and laboratory animal management practices for all species used in UNC-CH research endeavors.

A staff of more than 170 professional, technical, and administrative personnel provides quality animal care to a daily population of over 200,000 animals located in 26 animal facilities on and off the UNC campus. Federal funding and foundations sponsor over $1 billion in research on the UNC campus conducted by the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

Summary

A major responsibility of the Division’s veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory technicians is the health care and humane use of all animals. The Division’s program is reviewed semi-annually by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and has been accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) since 1973. DCM and the University also meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Public Health Service standards and regulations. As laboratory animal specialists they provide a comprehensive program of veterinary care, offer technical advice and assistance, and provide needed laboratory and research core services for teaching and research purposes.

Position Summary

THIS POSTING IS FOR TWO (2) IDENTICAL POSITIONS (POSITION NUMBERS 00003883 AND 00055144). BY APPLYING, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR BOTH AVAILABLE POSITIONS.

Requirements

The Laboratory Animal Technician is responsible for the daily care of research animals, including cage cleaning and sanitation, animal observation, handling and restraint, treatments, investigator support/communication, facility maintenance, and working with USDA species. Emergency duties required during adverse weather and/or other emergency situations. Weekend and holiday work required occasionally on a rotating basis.Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Animal technician training.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Working knowledge of breeding, weaning, and record-keeping.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the ALAT level or higher strongly preferred.Special Physical/Mental Requirements :
• Ability to move/lift items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Requires prolonged and/or repetitive reaching, bending, and twisting.Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.Position/Schedule Requirements

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally