Laboratory Animal Technician II - Comparative Medicine

Washington University in St. Louis; Northfield (VT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university seeks an individual to provide care and husbandry for various animal species. This role includes maintaining cleanliness, observing animal health, and working in a high-safety environment. Applicants should have an associate degree; no specific experience is necessary, though laboratory animal science experience is preferred. The position requires physical effort, including lifting up to 30 lbs and is subject to safety training and PPE requirements.

Benefits

Up to 22 days of vacation

Competitive health insurance packages

Free Metro transit U-Pass

Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan

Wellness resources

Tuition coverage for employees and their family

Qualifications

• Associate degree required.
• No specific work experience is required.
• 2 years of work experience in Laboratory Animal Science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care to multiple species including rabbits and primates.
• Sanitize and maintain rodent colony rooms according to schedule.
• Observe animals daily for clinical signs of illness.

Skills

Biomedical Research

English Language

Heavy Lifting

Quality Care

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Lab/research equipment

Simple hand tools

Heavy equipment (buffers, mowers, forklift, etc.)

Job description

Scheduled Hours: 40

Position Summary: Provide and document care and husbandry for multiple animal species in accordance with departmental SOPS and regulations and guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service, to assure a quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at Washington University. Provide care in specialized situations including biohazard, quarantine, and bioexclusion. Rotating weekend and holiday work is required.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide and document daily husbandry care to multiple species including rabbits, non-human primates, canines and rodents. Care includes the provision of feed, water, clean cages and enrichment.
• Sanitize and maintain rodent colony rooms according to schedule to include sweeping and mopping animal quarters and procedure rooms, disinfecting all areas in room, rotating animal cages, cleaning large equipment and stocking room supplies.
• Observe animals daily for clinical or behavioral signs of illness and provide treatments as directed by veterinary staff. Report findings to Supervisor, Facility Manager or DCM Veterinary staff in a timely fashion.
• Correctly handle and dispose of hazardous wastes according to standard operating procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required by supervisor/manager/department, which may include hands-on training of junior-level technicians.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 30 labs and pass a pre-employment physical exam. Appropriate vaccinations and hearing protection and other PPE are required through participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.
• Requires extensive safety training.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort:

• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.
• Frequent lifting (30 lbs. or more).

Equipment:

• Lab/research equipment.
• Simple hand tools.
• Heavy equipment (buffers, mowers, forklift, etc.).

Required Qualifications

Education: Associate degree

Certifications: Animal Care Learning Program - Purina Institute, Animal Care Learning Program within 6 months - Purina Institute, Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) - within 2 years - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications: No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience: Laboratory Animal Science (2 Years)

Skills: Biomedical Research, English Language, Heavy Lifting, Quality Care, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.