Research/Lab Technician Senior

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Retirement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri System is seeking a Senior Research/Lab Technician to provide expert animal care and technical support for the NSRRC, maintaining the health and genetic integrity of a swine herd across campus locations. Responsibilities include breeding support, recordkeeping, and adherence to NIH-funded research protocols.

Shift coverage includes early mornings and weekends, with additional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least 2 years of related experience.
• Preferred: 1+ year of animal care or trainee experience; ability to handle animals and recognise abnormalities.
• Must wear safety equipment; respirator/SCBA may be required depending on work.

Responsibilities

• Feed, care for, and monitor swine across multiple locations.
• Assist with surgical procedures, cesarean sections, embryo transfers, and reproductive technologies.
• Perform estrous detection, semen collection, and artificial insemination.
• Administer medications and maintain accurate records of care and research activities.
• Observe animals for illness, prepare for procedures, and collect biological samples.
• Transport animals between facilities and assist with humane euthanasia and carcass disposal as required.

Skills

Animal care

Recordkeeping

Biosecurity

Surgical support

Reproductive tech

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Hiring Department

Division of Animal Sciences

Job Description

The Senior Research/Lab Technician will provide animal care, recordkeeping, and technical support for the research and teaching programs of the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC). The position supports swine populations housed at multiple campus locations and requires strict adherence to biosecurity protocols. These animals represent a valuable genetic resource for the national research community and are maintained in support of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Responsibilities include feeding, caring for, and monitoring swine; assisting with surgical procedures, cesarean sections, embryo transfers, and other reproductive technologies; performing estrous detection, semen collection, and artificial insemination; administering medications and treatments; and maintaining accurate records of animal care, breeding, health, and research activities.

Additional duties include observing animals for signs of illness or adverse health conditions; preparing animals for research and teaching activities; collecting biological samples from live or moribund animals; transporting animals between facilities; performing humane euthanasia and carcass disposal in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies; and supporting the overall operation of the NSRRC to ensure the health, welfare, and genetic integrity of the swine herd.

As with all positions, employees may be assigned other duties and responsibilities as needed to support the mission, vision, and operational needs of the University of Missouri.

Shift

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday with additional hours as needed.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday with additional hours as needed.

More definite schedule can be determined with candidate.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

One year of experience in animal care activities or sufficient experience as animal technician trainee is required. Must be able to handle and work with animals and recognize abnormalities in animals' behavior. Must be able to administer routine diets and medications without direct supervision. Employees working within this classification will be required to wear appropriate safety equipment and apparel. Depending on the nature of the work, the incumbent may be required to wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as outlined in the Industrial Standard for Respirator Use.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $15.10 - $26.40 per hour

Grade: GGS 006

University Title: Senior Research/Lab Technician

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Application and resume.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.