Special Services Technician

The University Of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Animal Resources Center (ARC) Special Services unit seeks a hands-on technician to provide technical and operational support for investigators conducting animal research, including rodent colony management and coordination of routine sample collection.

You will assist with inventory and equipment maintenance, contribute to the development of standard operating procedures for new technologies, prepare study documentation, and ensure accuracy and safety across the

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of related work experience in animal research or a biomedical setting.
• Vocational training or apprenticeship or equivalent experience in a related field.
• AALAS certification at any level is preferred.
• Experience with rodent handling, colony management, and sample coordination is desirable.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills; ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff.
• Assists with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning) within animal facilities.
• Maintains special supplies and equipment inventory; handles ordering and upkeep.
• Participates in weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Contributes to development of SOPs for new technologies with the program supervisor.
• Prepares study documentation such as protocol worksheets and adverse event reports.
• Implements quality and safety controls for laboratory operations.

Skills

Rodent husbandry

Colony management coordination

Sample collection coordination

Inventory management

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Vocational training or apprenticeship

Bachelor’s degree in related field

AALAS certification (any level)

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 Details

• 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

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Application Note

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefits

• 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 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.

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The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/