Special Services Technician

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Animal Resources Center (ARC) is seeking a Special Services Technician to provide hands‑on technical and operational support for investigators conducting animal research, potentially involving MRI and histology. This role works under supervision and contributes to a broad range of laboratory activities.

You will manage rodent colonies, coordinate weekly Transnetyx sample collection, and maintain inventory of specialized supplies and equipment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform experimental procedures with research animals under supervision.
• Assist with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning).
• Maintain inventory and equipment used by the unit.
• Coordinate weekly Transnetyx sample collection and shipment.
• Develop standard operating procedures for new technologies.

Skills

Tech proficiency (MS Outlook, Word, &

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

High School Diploma + 3 years rodent husbandry

Tools

Transnetyx sample management

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.

Application Documents:

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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 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 a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.