Special Services Technician

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Animal Resources Center (ARC) seeks a Special Services Technician to provide technical and operational support for investigators conducting animal research. The role involves rodent colony management, Transnetyx sampling coordination, and maintaining specialized supplies and equipment inventory.

Under supervision of the Special Services Program Supervisor, you will perform experiments with research animals, contribute to SOP development, and ensure quality and safety

Qualifications

• Vocational training, apprenticeship or equivalent experience in related field.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• AALAS certification at any level.

Responsibilities

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff.
• Assists with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning) within the animal facilities.
• Assists with upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering).
• Participates in weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Contributes to development of standard operating procedures for new technologies.
• Prepare study-related documentation such as protocol worksheets and progress reports.
• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma with 3 years rodent husbandry

AALAS certification

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Department

BSD ARC - Special Services - Small Animals

About the Department

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus.

The ARC Special Services unit is responsible for providing colony management and advanced rodent technical expertise to investigators.

Job Summary

The job provides clinical research laboratories with technical support. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. Completes work with a moderate degree of supervision.

The Special Services Technician provides technical and operational support to investigators conducting animal research under the direction of the Special Services Program Supervisor. This hands-on role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including rodent colony management (breeding and weaning), coordination of weekly Transnetyx sample collection and shipment, and maintenance of specialized supplies and equipment inventory.

Responsibilities

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff as well as provides.
• Assists principal investigator group with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning, etc.) within the animal facilities.
• Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit and provides.
• Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Assists with the development of standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program supervisor.
• Prepare study‑related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four‑year degree).

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field OR High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of rodent husbandry experience within an academic animal care and use research program.

Experience: Previous work in a biomedical environment and/or research.

Licenses/Certifications: AALAS certification at any level.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency and comfort with technology systems and software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a customer service orientation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Working Conditions

Involves a combination of mobility between facilities and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer‑based work.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$21.63 - $28.85 The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit