Laboratory Animal Technician - College of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

Retirement savings program

Paid time off

Free transit pass

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician. The role involves supporting laboratory studies, ensuring compliance with protocols, and providing high-quality animal care.

Applicants should have an Associate's degree and relevant experience in handling animals. The position offers full-time hours, benefits, and the opportunity to work in a groundbreaking research environment.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in a lab or veterinary environment.
• Ability to handle and restrain animals of various sizes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with IACUC protocols and regulations.
• Assist with surgical procedures and post-procedural care.
• Maintain documentation of animal health and treatment.

Skills

Hands-on animal care

Anesthesia monitoring

Surgical assistance

Documenting study activities

Education

Associate's degree

Veterinary Technician degree/certificate

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research universitythat stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions.With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances,creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, anda whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we inventit. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challengesthe curious to deliver work that matters, your journey startshere!

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie MellonUniversity is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach tosolving complex healthcare challenges. Located within CMU's Collegeof Engineering, the department emphasizes the integration ofengineering principles with biomedical sciences to address pressingmedical and biological issues. The department is characterized byits focus on creating impactful technologies and therapies thatimprove patient care and advance biomedical innovationglobally.

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie MellonUniversity is looking for a laboratory animal technician that willsupport multiple laboratory animal studies involving mice, rats,rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providinghigh-quality animal care, assisting with research procedures, andensuring compliance with institutional, federal, and regulatorystandards. The technician will work closely with Dr. Keith Cook’ssurgical research manager and research staff to promote animalwelfare and support successful study outcomes.

Core Responsibilities:

• Ensure all animal-related activities are conducted incompliance with IACUC-approved protocols, institutional policies,and applicable regulatory standards (e.g., USDA, AAALAC, NIH).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of animal care, healthobservations, procedures, and study activities.
• Assist with treatment administration, post-proceduralmonitoring, and recovery care as directed.
• Support research procedures including animal handling andrestraint, dosing, sample collection (e.g., blood and tissue), anddata recording.
• Provide assistance with both surgical and non-surgicalprocedures under the supervision of the surgical manager, includinganesthesia monitoring and perioperative care.
• Participate in behavioral training, acclimation protocols, andother study-specific procedures as required.
• Prepare, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, supplies,and procedure areas to ensure safe and efficient studyexecution.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, and acclimatingresearch participants (staff/students) to the lab.
• Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitationpractices.
• Collaborate effectively with veterinarians, researchers, andanimal care staff across multiple studies, and assist in trainingnew staff and students in proper animal handling and basic researchprocedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support study needs andanimal welfare.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities withinCarnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member whocan effectively interact with a varied population of internal andexternal partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking forsomeone who shares our values and who will support the mission ofthe university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree
• Veterinary Technician degree/certificate or equivalenttraining.
• 1-3 years’ Experience
• Hands-on animal care, handling and restraint across multiplespecies
• A combination of education and relevant experience from whichcomparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG); additional trainingin anesthesia monitoring or surgical assistance.
• Experience working with animals in a research or laboratorysetting, assisting with anesthesia and surgical procedures, samplecollection, and study documentation. Rodent and/or largeanimal
  experience.

Requirements:

• Successful background check
• Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Ability to handle and restrain animals of varying sizes,including large animals (pigs, sheep).
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitivetasks.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and pull/push equipmentas required.
  • Visual acuity for detailed observations and recordkeeping.
  • Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and respondto emergencies
• Working Conditions:
  • Required to stand and/or walk for extended periods and functionin constricted spaces when needed.
  • May be required to work irregular or extended hours, includingnights, weekends, and emergency calls depending on studyneeds.
  • Routine exposure to biological materials, anesthetic agents,and cleaning/disinfecting chemicals.
  • May be required to travel to off‑campus or remote studylocations.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptionalbenefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array ofbenefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, andvision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employercontributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks withample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidentaldeath and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit buspass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigatechildcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, exploreour Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extendingoffers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role andresponsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledgegained through education and training. We appreciate your uniqueskills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is aboutmore than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for yourprofessional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with anexceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Technicians

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information:

• Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more aboutbecoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that changethe world.
  
  
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  
  
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal OpportunityEmployer/Disability/Veteran .
  
  
• Statement of Assurance