Research Laboratory Assistant

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 28,929 - 31,684; Part time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, MI seeks an Animal Care Technician to assist staff and researchers in maintaining animal populations. Responsibilities include animal care, sanitation, equipment operation, and anesthesia-related support in a research setting.

The role involves direct animal contact, potential exposure to biological materials, and requires basic animal physiology knowledge. Schedule is casual (≤19 hrs/wk), located on-site in Rochester, with work 8–5 on weekdays and occasional

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Well organized, detail oriented, strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and familiarity with word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Working knowledge of regulations governing care and use of research animals.
• Ability to work with diverse professionals and perform duties independently.
• Basic knowledge and interest in laboratory animals.
• Basic knowledge of animal physiology and behavior.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Physical stamina to perform duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining animal research populations.
• Provide proper husbandry, health, and medical care for animal species used in biomedical research.
• Operate and maintain equipment (autoclaves, tunnel washers, high-pressure hoses) per SOPs.
• Support staff and investigators as required.
• Perform daily animal husbandry tasks and sanitize animal rooms and equipment.
• Monitor and order inventory and supplies.
• Perform record-keeping tasks.
• Assist staff clinicians with research projects and anesthesia-related tasks.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Independent work

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in science

Tools

Word processing

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

Salary: $22.00/hr

Work Schedule: Casual (19 hrs or less, No Benefits). Available 8-5 weekdays and occasional weekend/holiday coverage.

Location: 371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309.

Position Purpose

• Assist staff and research personnel in maintaining the animal research populations.
• This position requires direct contact with animals and exposure to animal feces, urine, blood, and other infectious and biohazardous agents used in research projects.

Job Duties

• Lift and transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Provide proper husbandry, health, and medical care for animal species commonly used in biomedical research.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as autoclaves, tunnel washers, and high‑pressure power hoses according to standard operating procedures.
• Assist co‑workers, investigators, and supervisors as required.
• Perform daily animal husbandry functions, including changing dirty cages and ensuring proper primary housing.
• Maintain assigned rooms in sanitary conditions.
• Perform daily and periodic sanitization schedules for animal rooms and all necessary equipment.
• Provide anesthesia clinical instruction and supervision to research staff.
• Perform various types of clinical services related to anesthesia for research or teaching‑purpose animals.
• Monitor inventory and supplies and order when necessary.
• Perform record‑keeping tasks.
• Assist staff clinicians with various research projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Well organized, detail oriented, strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and familiarity with computer word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Working knowledge of the regulations and standards governing the care and use of research animals.
• Ability to work with diversified professional and technical personnel and perform duties independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic knowledge and interest in laboratory animals.
• Basic knowledge of animal physiology and behavior.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Physical stamina to verify the applicant's ability to perform the duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a science‑related field.
• Field experience working with animals in a research setting.

Required Documents

• List of References
• Resume