Research Animal Care Specialist

Zoetis, Inc; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis, Inc in Durham, NC is seeking a Research Animal Technician to provide daily care for laboratory animals and support ARC studies. You will help with incubation, hatch tasks, sample collection, and data recording while maintaining strict biosecurity and safety procedures.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, teamwork, and willingness to learn new techniques in a regulated research environment. Rotating after-hours coverage is required and on-site work is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or related field is preferred.
• Prior experience working with animals is required; poultry experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and maintain records.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn new procedures, equipment, and technical skills.
• Ability to work in an environment requiring strict adherence to biosecurity, biosafety, animal welfare, and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care to maintain health, welfare, and quality of research animals.
• Monitor animal health and report concerns to management and veterinary staff.
• Support research studies and biodevice testing activities, including incubation, candling, egg breakout, transfer, hatch, residue breakout, and cleanup.
• Perform and/or assist with technical procedures, animal treatments, sample collection, body weights, necropsies, and other study activities as directed.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in animal care and research activities, including cage washers, isolation cages, biodevices, incubators, and hatchers.
• Conduct euthanasia in accordance with applicable guidelines and documentation requirements.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and legible records and documentation.
• Review, correct, and verify study data for accuracy and completeness.
• Support animal health monitoring, biosecurity, and biosafety programs.
• Maintain clean and sanitary animal rooms and work areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with microbial surveys, water analysis, mite surveys, and other facility monitoring activities.
• Follow all company policies, SOPs, accreditation standards, animal welfare requirements, and study-specific procedures.
• Participate in rotating after-hours, weekend, and on-call schedule to provide coverage for incubator and hatcher alarms.
• Support preparation for and follow-up activities associated with semi-annual IACUC inspections and accreditation audits.

Skills

Animal care

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Documentation

Computer skills

Communication

Learning mindset

Biosecurity compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Animal Science/Poultry Science or related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Zoetis, Inc in Durham, NC is seeking a Research Animal Technician to provide daily care for laboratory animals and support ARC studies. You will help with incubation, hatch tasks, sample collection, and data recording while maintaining strict biosecurity and safety procedures.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, teamwork, and willingness to learn new techniques in a regulated research environment. Rotating after-hours coverage is required and on-site work is expected.