Research Vivarium Technician

Monell Chemical Senses Center; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Monell Chemical Senses Center, based in Philadelphia, seeks a Research Vivarium Technician to provide high-quality care for laboratory animals and assist researchers in vivarium studies.

You will maintain housing, assist with procedures, and ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations, while helping manage vivarium equipment and records.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Animal Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a research vivarium or animal care setting.
• ALAT/LAT/LATG certification from AALAS is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for research animals, including feeding, watering, and monitoring health.
• Observe animals for signs of illness or distress and report concerns to supervisory staff.
• Assist with administering medications or treatments as directed by veterinarians or researchers.
• Ensure humane handling and adherence to animal welfare regulations and institutional policies.
• Maintain clean and sanitary animal housing and procedure rooms, following SOPs and managing equipment.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Regulatory compliance

Record-keeping

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Associate degree in Animal Science or related field

AALAS ALAT/LAT/LATG certification desirable

Tools

Cage washers

Autoclaves

Job description

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a globally recognized non-profit research institute dedicated to advancing the science of taste, smell, and related senses. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s education and life sciences community, Monell fosters interdisciplinary research that leads to meaningful scientific and societal impact.

The Research Vivarium Technician plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Monell Chemical Senses Center’s Research Vivarium. This position provides high-quality animal care, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports researchers in their studies. The Research Vivarium Technician also assists in maintaining vivarium equipment and implementing best practices in animal husbandry.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care and Welfare

Provide daily care for research animals, including feeding, watering, and monitoring health and well-being.

Observe animals for signs of illness or distress and report concerns to the Research Vivarium Supervisor or Research Vivarium Manager and Research staff.

Assist with administering medications or treatments as directed by veterinarians or research staff.

Ensure humane handling and adherence to animal welfare regulations and institutional policies.

Facility Maintenance and Compliance

Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in animal housing and procedure rooms, following standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Assist in vivarium equipment management, including cage washers and autoclaves.

Monitor and document environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) to ensure compliance with regulations.

Maintain accurate records related to animal care, breeding, and regulatory requirements.

Research Support and Technical Assistance

Assist researchers with animal procedures, such as handling, injections, sample collection, and behavioral testing.

Assist in providing technical expertise in specialized research procedures as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Associate degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related field preferred or equivalent related experience.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a research vivarium or animal care setting.

Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) from AALAS is highly desirable.

Skills & Abilities

Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, care procedures, and research regulations, including compliance with OLAW and PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (e.g., understanding of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, protocol adherence, reporting requirements, and animal welfare monitoring).

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Excellent attention to detail, record-keeping, and organizational skills.

Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) and work in a physically demanding environment.

Work is performed in a research vivarium environment with exposure to animals, allergens, and disinfectants.

Weekend and holiday rotations may be required based on vivarium operational needs.

Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.