Preclinical Autopsy Technician - 2nd Shift

Charles River Laboratories; Mattawan (MI); On-site; USD 30,307 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus incentives

401K

Paid time off

Stock purchase program

Health and wellness coverage

Work life balance flexibility

Job summary

Charles River Laboratories seeks a Technician I – Necropsy for the 2nd Shift Pathology Services Team in Mattawan, MI. The role involves euthanasia and post‑mortem examinations, organ processing, and tissue handling under veterinary pathologist guidance.

The position requires strong communication, safety adherence, and the ability to work on multiple tasks with a flexible schedule. Salary is $20/hr with a 10% shift differential; typical hours Monday–Friday 12:00 PM–8:30 PM, with potential

Qualifications

• Education: high school diploma or GED required; BA/BS in biological sciences preferred.
• Experience: No previous experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment by following safety procedures and PPE requirements, and by reading and following all safety documents.

Responsibilities

• Performs euthanasia and post-mmortem examination of animals, including removal, processing, and preserving of organs for microscopic evaluation by a veterinary pathologist.
• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals.
• Train in onboarding skills including animal handling, sedation, dissection, sample collection, and lab prep.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and know anatomical terms.
• Receive, track, and prepare samples or materials for the department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Computer skills

Safety procedures

GLP compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

BA/BS in biological sciences preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well‑being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Technician I – Necropsy for our 2nd Shift Pathology Services Team in Mattawan, MI.

The pay for this position is $20/hr + 10% shift differential. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

The work schedule for this role is: Monday - Friday 12:00PM to 8:30PM with overtime, as necessary.

Job Description

Performs euthanasia and post‑mortem examination of animals, including the removal, processing, and preserving of organs for microscopic evaluation by a veterinary pathologist.

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human‑animal interactions
• Train in on‑boarding skills which may include animal handling, sedation; animal procedures including dissection; collection of samples and weights; laboratory preparation, set up and cleaning; preparation of laboratory solutions. Specific skills will be based on each area’s training plan and business needs.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and know anatomic terms
• Receive, track, and prepare samples or materials, as required for department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Lift/move up to 20 pounds regularly, possibly over the head.
• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Walk long distances across the facility on concrete floors.
• Remain seated for extended periods of time.
• Utilize meticulous fine‑motor skills.
• Work while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required. Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent in a biological science, preferred.
• Experience: No previous experience required.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods by making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and by reading, understanding, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill the regulatory agencies requirements by performing the activities according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

Benefits

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e‑mail message to [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.