Laboratory Animal Technician II - Comparative Medicine

UNKNOWN; United States; On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Health insurance

Transit benefit

Job summary

WashU seeks a Laboratory Animal Technician to provide daily husbandry for non-human primates and mice, with responsibilities across rabbits and other rodents as needed. You will follow SOPs, document activities, and support veterinary staff.

The role requires lifting up to 30 lbs, extensive safety training, rotating weekend and holiday shifts, and opportunities to advance through AAALAS certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.
• ALAT certification (AALAS) required or preferred.
• Animal care experience and ability to work with multiple species preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide and document daily husbandry care for non-human primates (NHPs) and mice; assist other species.
• Feed, water, cages, and enrichment; sanitize and maintain rooms per SOPs.
• Observe animals for illness and report findings to veterinary staff.
• Assist with training of junior technicians as needed.

Skills

Biomedical Research

English Language

Heavy Lifting

Quality Care

SOP Writing

Education

Associate degree

ALAT certification (AALAS)

Purina Animal Care Learning Program

Purina Institute training within 6 months

Job description

Location SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary

Provide and document care and husbandry for non-human primate and rodent animal species in accordance with departmental SOPS and regulations and guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service to ensure a quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at WashU. Work on a rotating weekend and Holiday schedule is required.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Provide and document daily husbandry care primarily for non-human primates (NHPs) and mice but can also provide care for additional species including rabbits, canines and other 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

Must be able to lift 30 lbs. 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.

Job Location/Working Conditions

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 or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

• 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.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience

Laboratory Animal Science (2 Years)

Skills

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

Salary Range

Grade R05-H Salary Range $16.67 - $24.40 / Hourly The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre‑employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

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. For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.