Veterinary Assistant/Technician

Aequor; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Animal Research Technician at Aequor in Athens, GA will perform animal husbandry, health care, and research support in a Biosafety Level 1 and 2 laboratory environment, ensuring welfare and adherence to protocols. The role supports scientific studies while maintaining documentation and compliance.

The successful candidate will work under veterinary supervision, conduct routine health checks, collect samples, assist with study procedures, and help maintain facility and equipment sanitation,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Results-oriented with a positive and cooperative attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care, including feeding, watering, and environmental enrichment.
• Conduct routine animal health and welfare assessments.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, distress, or abnormal behavior and report findings appropriately.
• Administer treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care and research activities.
• Clean and sanitize animal rooms, equipment, and work areas.
• Maintain, adjust, and repair animal housing systems, feeders, drinking systems, and handling equipment.
• Support biosecurity initiatives and ensure adherence to established protocols.
• Assist with scientific observations and study-related assessments.
• Support sample collection activities, including blood, fecal, nasal, tonsillar, and laryngeal swabs.
• Assist with necropsy procedures as directed.
• Support administration of study treatments according to approved protocols.
• Under supervision, assist with sedation monitoring and euthanasia procedures when required.
• Maintain study records and required regulatory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, NIH Guidelines, AAALAC Accreditation Standards, and company policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Judgment

Results-oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (40 hours/week)

Overtime: Required one weekend per month; occasional holiday work may be required

Conversion Opportunity: Potential for conversion to a full-time position based on performance and business needs

Position Overview

The Animal Research Technician will perform animal husbandry, animal health care, research support activities, facility maintenance, and equipment sanitation in a laboratory research environment. This role supports scientific studies while ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, research protocols, and company policies.

The successful candidate will work in a Biosafety Level 1 and 2 laboratory environment and contribute to the care and well-being of research animals while assisting with scientific procedures and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care, including feeding, watering, and environmental enrichment.
• Conduct routine animal health and welfare assessments.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, distress, or abnormal behavior and report findings appropriately.
• Administer treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care and research activities.

Facility & Equipment Maintenance

• Clean and sanitize animal rooms, equipment, and work areas.
• Maintain, adjust, and repair animal housing systems, feeders, drinking systems, and handling equipment.
• Support biosecurity initiatives and ensure adherence to established protocols.

Research Support

• Assist with scientific observations and study-related assessments.
• Support sample collection activities, including:
• Blood samples
• Fecal samples
• Nasal, tonsillar, and laryngeal swabs
• Assist with necropsy procedures as directed.
• Support administration of study treatments according to approved protocols.
• Under supervision, assist with sedation monitoring and euthanasia procedures when required.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain study records and required regulatory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Animal Welfare Act and Regulations
• NIH Guidelines
• AAALAC Accreditation Standards
• Boehringer Ingelheim Policies and Procedures
• Follow all safety, quality, and research standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Results-oriented with a positive and cooperative attitude.

Physical Requirements

• This position involves working in agricultural and research environments that may include:
• Hot, cold, humid, noisy, and outdoor conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to lift:
• Up to 50 lbs frequently
• Up to 70 lbs occasionally
• Direct interaction with research animals during routine and post-mortem procedures.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must not have allergies to animals, livestock, or feed dust.

Vision Requirements

• Must be able to read and observe animals clearly.