Research Technician - Contributing

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cage Processing Technician at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will operate and maintain cage processing equipment, sanitize cages, and manage duty logs. The role supports a large animal facility and requires careful adherence to safety and animal care standards.

Working in Chapel Hill, you will join a team focused on quality animal care, with opportunities for professional growth within Comparative Medicine and related research programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting preferred.
• AALAS ALAT certification or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate cage processing and related equipment (cage washing, bottle washing, filling equipment and autoclaves).
• Sanitize cages and equipment; maintain temperature records and duty logs.
• Occasional weekend/holiday work and emergency duties as needed.

Skills

Lab animal handling

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification

Tools

None

Job description

Posting Information

Department Comparative Medicine-621500

Career Area Laboratory Management and Services

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date 09/23/2026

Application Deadline 10/01/2026

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title Research Technician - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent MH04 / GN04

Working Title Cage Processing Technician

Position Number 00061669

Vacancy ID P021406

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Weekends and Holidays on occasion.

Work Location CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $34,320-$39,000

Pay Band Information

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Notice to Applicants

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-CH offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

The Division of Comparative Medicine ( DCM ) is responsible for the care of all vertebrate animals on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC-CH) campus. DCM is committed to programs of excellence in veterinary care and laboratory animal management practices for all species used in UNC-CH research endeavors.

A staff of more than 170 professional, technical, and administrative personnel provides quality animal care to a daily population of over 200,000 animals located in 26 animal facilities on and off the UNC campus. Federal funding and foundations sponsor over $1 billion in research on the UNC campus conducted by the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

A major responsibility of the Division’s veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory technicians is the health care and humane use of all animals. The Division’s program is reviewed semi-annually by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and has been accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International ( AAALAC ) since 1973. DCM and the University also meet U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) and Public Health Service standards and regulations. As laboratory animal specialists they provide a comprehensive program of veterinary care, offer technical advice and assistance, and provide needed laboratory and research core services for teaching and research purposes.

Position Summary

The Cage Processing Technician is responsible for operating a number of industrial machines, including cage washing equipment, bottle washing equipment, bottle filling equipment, autoclaves, and additional equipment as necessary. The technician is also responsible for the following: processing and sanitizing cages, equipment, and water bottles; operating, maintaining, and recording temperatures on cage processing equipment and autoclaves; and maintaining and monitoring equipment and duty log records.

Emergency duties required during adverse weather and/or other emergency situations. Weekend and holiday work required occasionally on a rotating basis.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science ( AALAS ) at the ALAT level or higher.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to move/lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Requires prolonged and/or repetitive reaching, bending, and twisting.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory, Overtime occasionally

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.