Preclinical Autopsy Technician I

Charles River Laboratories; Ashland (OH); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research company is seeking a Technician I for their Necropsy team in Ashland, Ohio. This entry-level role involves training for animal handling, euthanasia, and laboratory tasks under supervision. Candidates should have a high school diploma and strong communication skills. Pay starts at $19 per hour, with varied shifts including overtime. The technician will ensure proper care for animals, document data, and maintain equipment safety in a research lab environment. Weekend and holiday shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• No previous experience required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa.
• Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on short notice.

Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals.
• Train in onboarding skills: animal handling, euthanasia, and more.
• Perform core skill functions within the timeframe set by training.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

Computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are seeking a Technician I for our Necropsy team at our Safety Assessment site located in Ashland, Ohio. The role requires working 4‑10 shifts either Monday‑Thursday or Tuesday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑6:30 pm, with weekend rotation, holiday rotation, and overtime required.

Job Summary: A Technician I is in training to perform and become proficient in onboarding skills, procedures, and teamwork. The technician learns basic study‑related tasks, including animal handling, euthanasia, sedation, dissection, sample collection and weighing, laboratory preparation, setup and cleaning, and laboratory solution preparation. Work is conducted under close supervision to gain proficiency.

Pay: $19 per hour. Salaries vary within the range based on experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human‑animal interactions.
• Train in onboarding skills: animal handling, euthanasia, sedation, dissection, sample collection, weighting, laboratory preparation, setup, cleaning, and laboratory solution preparation, as outlined in the training plan.
• Perform prosect and core skill functions within the timeframe set by the training group.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms or electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and apply anatomic terminology.
• Track, prepare, and manage samples or materials required by the department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• Experience: No previous experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and validated systems.
• Ability to ensure a safe working environment by observing all safety procedures and using protective clothing and equipment.
• Ability to maintain study integrity and fulfill regulatory requirements under GLP, SOP, BOP, and IACUC rules.
• Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa now or in the future.

Physical Demands

• Lift, move, manipulate, or hold heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Perform laboratory procedures requiring standing, sitting, or mobile work for long periods, data entry, instrument use, reaching, and narrow‑space work while wearing PPE.
• Require close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

• Research laboratory environment with sharp objects, mechanical parts, chemicals, and biological hazards; exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and noise ranging from quiet to moderately noisy.

Comments

• May occasionally work weekend or holidays and/or rotating on‑call schedule.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.