LABORATORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANT 1

Lsu-Pennington-Biomedical-Research-Ctr.; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge seeks a Laboratory Technical Assistant to support daily animal care and compliance with state Civil Service rules.

Appointment Type: Probational; Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday with some weekend coverage. Compensation will be based on qualifications; approved hiring range is $11.67–$18.72 per hour.

Career Progression opportunities exist within a Career Progression Group as described in the official job specifications.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of animal care and welfare.
• Follows safety and biosafety protocols.
• Ability to follow Civil Service rules and policies.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily husbandry and care for research animals.
• Monitors animal health and facility conditions.
• Oversees quarantine and biosecurity activities.
• Maintains animal census, breeding, and production records.
• Performs cleaning, sanitation, and sterilization duties.
• Follows established policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Skills

Display of Expertise

Policies & Procedures

Strategic Thinking

Safety & Compliance

Education

Associate's degree in medical technology / nursing / clinical lab science

Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification

Job description

This is a classified position, and rules of the position are governed by State Civil Service.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:

- Displaying Expertise: The ability to demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and experience to apply subject-matter expertise in diverse and evolving contexts.
- Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies.
- Thinking Strategically: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.
- Working Safely: The ability to maintain a safe work environment by following established safety rules, procedures, and practices.

Laboratory Technical Assistant 1:

No experience or training required.

Laboratory Technical Assistant 2:

Every six semester hours earned from an accredited college or university in any of the biological, physical, chemical, or agricultural sciences will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Laboratory Technical Assistant 3:

Two years of experience as a phlebotomist, EKG/ECG technician, pulmonary technician, or respiratory care technician, or in the care, preparation or handling of laboratory specimens, animals, or cadavers; OR
An associate's degree in medical technology, nursing, clinical laboratory science, or a biological, physical, or chemical science; OR
Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION for Laboratory Technical Assistant 3:
Every six semester hours earned from an accredited college or university in any of the biological, physical, chemical, or agricultural sciences will substitute for one year of the required experience.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Provides daily husbandry and care for research animals by feeding, watering, monitoring health, administering basic treatments, and maintaining animal records.
• Monitors animal health and facility conditions to ensure animal welfare, environmental standards, and compliance with biosafety protocols.
• Oversees quarantine and biosecurity activities to support animal receiving, disease prevention, and colony health.
• Maintains animal census, breeding, and production records using computerized animal management systems.
• Performs cleaning, sanitation, and sterilization duties to maintain a safe and compliant research environment.
• Follows established policies, procedures, and safety standards to ensure compliance with animal care regulations and workplace requirements.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type:Probational
Career Progression:This position participates in a Career Progression Group.
Work Schedule:Work hours are 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Some weekend coverage.

Compensation:The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. The approved hiring range is $11.67 – $18.72.