Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Hourly

University of Maryland; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking a Research Technician to support the Department of Veterinary Medicine in a BSL-2/BSL-3 setting. You will assist with animal studies, maintain records, and help with day-to-day lab operations near Washington, DC.

Required qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED and at least one year of lab animal experience, plus ability to follow biosafety protocols. The role offers hands-on training and a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one year in a laboratory animal facility.
• Experience with animal colony management preferred.
• Ability to follow biosafety procedures (BSL-3) when required.

Responsibilities

• Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.
• Administers special diets, medication, and experimental drugs.
• Assists higher level personnel during medical treatments or experimental procedures.
• Performs routine research related activities such as collecting, measuring and analyzing specimens, transporting and weighing animals.
• Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.
• Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Laboratory safety

Recordkeeping

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Autoclaves

Cage washers

Computers

Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information Organization's Summary Statement:

A Research Technician position is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland (UMD) College Park, located just outside Washington, DC. The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMD is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field of human and veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases. The department provides an excellent research environment and advanced research facilities, including BSL3/ABSL3 suites, to support cutting-edge infectious diseases research. The Park Lab, led by Dr. Jaekeun Park, Assistant Professor, studies T-cell immunity to viral infection and vaccination, with a particular emphasis on CD8 T-cell responses to influenza virus. Our research aims to better understand protective immunity and contribute to the development of improved strategies for influenza prevention in both humans and animals. The Research Technician will provide broad support for laboratory research, animal studies, and day-to-day laboratory operations. Specific responsibilities are described below. Under direct supervision, provides basic technical support to the research and teaching functions of a laboratory animal facility and performs animal husbandry practices. This position may be used in one or all types of Biosafety Laboratories (BLS) ranging from level 1 to 3 environments.

1. Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.
2. Administers special diets, medication, and experimental drugs.
3. Assists higher level personnel during medical treatments or experimental procedures.
4. Performs routine research related activities such as collecting, measuring and analyzing specimens, transporting and weighing animals.
5. Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.
6. Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals. Assists with the breeding of animals and other activities to maintain animal room stock and various crosses.
7. Provides husbandry support as required by standard operating procedures such as ensuring appropriate feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and changing cages, preparing special diets and maintaining proper temperature, light, and humidity levels.
8. Handles animal carcasses, tissues, and wastes following established policies and procedures.
9. Maintains husbandry records pertaining to animal census, animal breeding, dietary studies, infectious disease studies, etc.
10. Receives, inspects, and stocks supplies such as animal feed and bedding. Assists in maintaining inventory.
11. Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs and regulates the lighting, ventilation, temperature and humidity levels of the animal room environment.
12. Sterilizes glassware, syringes, instruments and equipment.

High School Diploma or GED.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Animal inventory management and related support
• Animal breeding colony management and recordkeeping
• Conducting and supporting animal studies and experimental procedures
• Animal study preparation, coordination, documentation, and protocol-related support
• Occasional weekend and holiday animal care and research support, as needed
• Regulatory, safety, and research compliance support
• Laboratory reagent, solution, media, and material preparation
• Biological sample collection, preparation, processing, storage, and related support
• General experimental and research project support
• Laboratory equipment, supply, and inventory management
• Laboratory maintenance, cleaning, organization, and operational support
• Research documentation, data entry, recordkeeping, and laboratory administrative support
• Support for other laboratory research projects, activities, and operational needs, as assigned
• Support for research activities conducted in BSL-3 and ABSL-3 containment settings, as required
• Other duties related to laboratory operations and research activities, as assigned

Salary: Hourly Rate - $26.44 - $28.85

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with laboratory animals in ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 containment settings is preferred. The applicant must have at least five years of relevant research experience, including experience with animal colony management and animal research support. EXPERIENCE: Six months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three References

Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: 10/15/2026 Open Until Filled: No

Physical Demands:

The position requires the ability to perform routine laboratory and animal-care activities that may involve standing, bending, and crouching, as well as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling laboratory supplies and equipment, including reagent boxes, carboys, waste containers, and portable equipment, typically weighing less than 25 lb.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED. EXPERIENCE: One year in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for. OTHER: Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

General knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment. Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.; to lift bags of feed and bedding; to follow standard operating procedures; to move heavy stainless steelracks, clean cages, etc.; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to operate computers and other standard office equipment; to provide guidance and training to others; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Department AGNR-Veterinary Medicine Program Worker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C1) (Fixed Term) Salary Range $26.44-$28.85

Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online Search

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online The University works hard to make its websites accessible to any and all users. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at one of the below options: Email: [e-mail] Phone: [phone] Maryland Relay: Dial 711 This contact information cannot be used to inquire about application status.