Senior Animal Lab Technician

Astrix; Alabama; On-site; USD 44,083 - 49,593; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Alabama is looking for a Senior Laboratory Animal Resources Technician to provide comprehensive research support. The role includes executing study protocols, mentoring staff, and ensuring adherence to quality standards. Qualified candidates should have a bachelor's degree in science and at least 4 years of lab experience. This position offers a contract employment type and requires proficiency with animal handling techniques. The pay rate ranges from $32/hr to $36/hr.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of laboratory experience.
• Proficiency with laboratory and animal-handling techniques.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs and GLP regulations.

Responsibilities

• Execute study activities following protocols and safety requirements.
• Administer test materials via multiple routes.
• Collect and review in-life and husbandry data for various studies.
• Assist in surgeries and maintain study files.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Communication

Animal handling

Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field

Job description

Senior Laboratory Animal Resources Technician

Location: Jefferson County, Alabama

Job type: Contract – hire

Pay rate: $32/hr – $36/hr

The Senior Laboratory Animal Resources Technician provides comprehensive research and technical support within Laboratory Animal Resources facilities. This role requires a strong understanding of scientific principles and research methodologies, proficiency in laboratory and animal‑handling techniques, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. The Senior Technician also serves as a mentor and trainer for junior staff and may act as a study lead, providing task direction and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute study activities in alignment with protocols, SOPs, laboratory methods, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and established safety requirements.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of study design and proper execution of research procedures.
• Administer test and control materials via multiple routes, including gavage, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, capsule, and diet/drinking water.
• Administer anesthesia across all species in the facility and monitor anesthetic recovery.
• Collect and review in‑life and husbandry data (e.g., body weights, clinical observations, food consumption) for various study types including toxicology, reproductive toxicity, oncology, and infectious disease studies.
• Perform specialized reproductive procedures such as mating, estrous stage identification, vaginal lavage, handling pregnant/nursing animals, and evaluating pubertal developmental indices.
• Safely handle and restrain multiple species including rodents, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, and non‑human primates at ABSL‑1, 2, and 3 levels.
• Conduct sample and specimen collection, animal identification procedures, necropsies, and tissue harvesting.
• Assist in surgeries, including equipment sterilization and preparation.
• Set up, maintain, and review study files using the Provantis data collection system.
• Perform electronic randomization procedures within Provantis.
• Create and revise forms, SOPs, and documentation as needed.
• Assist with onboarding and training new laboratory personnel in technical procedures.
• Act as study lead as assigned, managing supplies, ensuring paperwork accuracy, and cross‑checking study protocols with ACUP and BPR requirements.
• Monitor junior team member work quality and provide coaching and mentoring.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science‑related field and at least 4 years of laboratory experience.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow SOPs, GLP regulations, and study protocols.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to wear PPE (including N95 or PAPR) for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime and participate in rotating weekend/holiday schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, apply, and teach scientific methods and laboratory techniques.
• Must meet all entry, medical, and vaccination requirements for ABSL‑2 and ABSL‑3 environments, with immunizations determined by the agents handled (e.g., Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, Yellow Fever, Influenza).

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Science