Research Technician, Associate

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette seeks a Research Technician, Associate to assist with the care and husbandry of laboratory animals across approved protocols. This entry-level role involves cleaning, cage changing, basic health checks, and preparing cages for uses in animal facilities.

You will work in conventional, barrier, and barn housing, following safety guidelines, and may perform occasional euthanasia of rodents. A team-oriented, detail-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two+ years of animal care related experience preferred.
• Basic computer and data-entry skills required.
• Basic knowledge of animal care and handling preferred.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Able to work in a team and independently.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Able to work overtime and weekends/holidays as needed.
• Ability to move and lift equipment and work around large animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide husbandry and daily care for laboratory animals per approved protocols.
• Change cages and clean stalls; maintain clean work environments.
• Perform basic health checks and assist with animal handling.
• Prepare and maintain animal caging components for facilities use.
• Work with animals in various housing types (conventional, barrier, barn).
• Assist with routine cleaning duties and equipment operation.
• Occasionally perform euthanasia of rodents as needed.
• Adhere to Purdue policies and safety guidelines; participate in training.

Skills

Animal care experience

Data-entry skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Professional communication

Driver's license

Overtime availability

Physically able

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Title: Research Technician, Associate

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Research Technician, Associate is an entry-level position that builds skills in providing husbandry and care to a variety of laboratory animals listed on approved protocols including but not limited to rodents, rabbits, sheep, swine, horses, cows, and poultry in conventional, barrier, and barn housing. This position will learn and perform husbandry and health checks for all species on campus as well as any new species that arrive for future studies. Change cages/clean stalls, use specialized equipment (including rack washer, bulk autoclave, steam gun, skid steer). Work with animals exposed to biological/chemical radiation hazards, and prepare animal caging components for use in the animal facilities. Perform other cleaning and maintenance duties as necessary. Occasional euthanasia of rodents. This is a full-time staff position, not a student position.

What We're Looking For:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Two or more years of animal care related experience
• Basic computer and data-entry skills
• Basic knowledge of animal care
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently
• Exhibit professional behavior in speaking with all staff (Purdue and non-Purdue interactions)
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to work overtime and on weekend/holidays as required
• Ability to pull/push large heavy equipment; push/pull equipment up and down ramps; repetitive lifting/turning/bending/reaching (high and stretching low)
• Ability to be on fee and moving all day
• Ability to enter stalls or caging with large animals (cow/horse/sheep/pig) and work in the stall with the animals present
• Exhibit professional behavior in speaking with all staff (Purdue and non-Purdue interactions)

What We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-Exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.