Technical Associate

Zoetis; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking an Animal Research Technician to provide daily care for companion animals in a research setting. The role supports in vivo studies, assists with study execution, and ensures compliance with Animal Welfare and GXP policies. Weekend/holiday work on rotation is expected.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years related experience or post-high school education plus relevant training.
• AALAS Certification.
• Proven ability to work well in a team.
• Willingness to learn on the job.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Feeding and caring for cats, dogs, and rodents.
• Cleaning and disinfecting animal areas.
• Support cagewash operations.
• Facility maintenance and upkeep.
• Assist with study execution including protocol review, sample collection, and data collection per regulatory requirements.
• Perform animal husbandry, treatments, record keeping, and instrument maintenance per policies.
• Follow protocols and SOPs precisely.
• Communicate with lead technicians, managers, and researchers.
• Support veterinarians with clinical care.

Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Learning mindset

Math & reading comprehension

Education

AALAS Certification

Job description

Role Description

The animal research technician is a critical role in day-to-day animal facility operations and portfolio execution. This position will provide care for companion animals in a research environment at the Kalamazoo, MI site. Primary species of responsibility are cats, dogs and rodents but may also include cross-support with other species. Must properly use and maintain all necessary equipment and follow proper techniques as determined by departmental SOPs and Institutional Policies. This role assists in all phases of clinical and preclinical studies, associated with the discovery and/or development of animal health products. Weekend and holiday work expected and performed on rotation.

Responsibilities

• Feeding and caring for cats, dogs, and rodents.
• Cleaning and disinfecting animal areas.
• Support cagewash operations.
• Facility maintenance and upkeep.
• Assists with all aspects of study execution including in-vivo study protocol review, biological sample collection and data collection in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Performs a variety of animal activities including but not limited to animal husbandry, animal treatments, record keeping, and laboratory and instrument maintenance in accordance with applicable Animal Welfare and GXP policies.
• All responsibilities must be conducted in accordance with protocols and applicable SOPs.
• Comprehend and follow research protocols.
• Provides communication with and assistance to the lead technicians, manager, and researchers.
• Assist and support the clinical veterinarians with all aspects of veterinary care.
• Contributes to continuous improvement and shares knowledge and expertise with others in work group.

Qualifications

• High school diploma
• Great attitude
• Willingness to learn on the job
• Proven track record of working well in a team setting.
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and adaptability within the work environment
• History of successfully working in a fast-paced setting involving multiple projects and tasks.
• Demonstrated math and reading comprehension required.
• 1-3 years related experience or post-high school or education combined.
• AALAS Certification.
• Previous experience in an in vivo research setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a very high level of personal hygiene to be maintained while at work.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.