ULAR Technician, Cagewash

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 23,763 - 32,718; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents

Generous retirement plans

Substantial vacation and personal time

Wellness and Work-life Resources

Job summary

A community college in Philadelphia seeks a Cagewash Technician to maintain cleanliness and support for research animals. Responsibilities include sanitizing cages, performing basic maintenance tasks, and assisting with husbandry operations. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, ability to follow instructions, and a service-oriented attitude. This position offers a pay range of $17.25 – $23.75 hourly depending on experience and education, with essential personnel requirements as well.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of proper handling and restraint techniques of laboratory animals required.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination before starting work.

Responsibilities

• Process all caging material through mechanical cage, rack, and tunnel washers.
• Sanitize, maintain, and repair caging materials as needed.
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner.

Skills

Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions

Service-oriented mindset

Teamwork skills

Ability to lift 50 lb repetitively

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS certification at the ALAT level

Job description

ULAR Technician, Cagewash

Join our dedicated ULAR team and play a vital role in supporting high‑quality animal research. As a Cagewash Technician, you will maintain a clean, safe, and efficient environment for our research animals by ensuring a steady supply of sanitized cages and equipment. Working at one of ULAR's facilities, you will rotate between the "dirty" and "clean" sides of the operation—preparing soiled cages for washing, loading dirty changes into the tunnel washer, unloading the washed cages, and setting up freshly cleaned cages with new bedding for use in animal rooms. You will also provide general support for daily husbandry operations. This position is hands‑on and essential to the smooth functioning of our animal research.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide basic cage wash duties, including processing all caging material through mechanical cage, rack, and tunnel washers.
• Sanitize, maintain, and repair caging materials as needed.
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all SOP and facility requirements.
• Maintain facility equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance on cagewash and autoclaves, including routine inspection of cleaning filters and roto‑arms.
• Dispose of waste materials in a safe and thorough manner as required.
• Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.
• Assist with the receipt, stocking, and maintenance of supply inventories.
• Perform any other contract‑related duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• Cagewash A: High school diploma or equivalent and 0–1 year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Cagewash B: High school diploma is a plus, either (1) one year of experience in a lab animal facility (animal care experience); or (2) AALAS certification at the ALAT level. Knowledge of proper handling and restraint techniques of laboratory animals is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to explain problems/issues/solutions.
• Must be service‑oriented and able to work as a team member.
• Able to repetitively lift 50 lb.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Must pass a pre‑employment physical examination before starting work.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays/overtime as required.
• May be required to pass an FBI background check.
• Computer skills are a plus.

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Targeted Pay Range

$17.25 – $23.75 hourly, commensurate with education and experience.

Essential Personnel

This position is classified as "Essential Personnel." As an essential employee, you may be expected to report to work or remain on duty during university closures, delayed openings, or early dismissals, unless otherwise directed by your supervisor or a member of the senior management team. Additionally, you may also be required to work during university emergencies, including but not limited to natural disasters, extended periods of inclement weather, and other unforeseen events.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Provost's Center

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tuition: tuition assistance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: generous retirement plans, including basic, matching, and supplemental plans.
• Time Away from Work: substantial vacation and personal time.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance: insurance covering some costs of long‑term care services.
• Wellness and Work‑life Resources: various programs and resources for health and work‑life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: access to libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and more.
• Discounts and Special Services: savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods.
• Flexible Work Hours: creative options for non‑traditional work hours and structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees.
• Adoption Assistance: reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Video

Find more about the day in the life of a Cagewash Technician through this video: https://upenn.box.com/s/pncvcq3ea54gvrpkghci32die9ygbvrp