Vivarium Technician I - Rodent Care & Research Support

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, VA seeks an Animal Care Technician to support vivarium operations. You will perform husbandry and care for mice, rats, and zebrafish under supervision in a dynamic team environment.

The role involves receiving shipments, maintaining records, environmental enrichment, and basic technical support. Requires a life science degree and animal-handling experience, with a 3-month temporary contract and possible extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science or related field.
• Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.
• Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred.
• Ability to learn tasks quickly.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
• Ability to complete multiple requests and assignments as directed.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple species (e.g. feeding, watering, cages, daily observations).
• Receive, examine and properly house incoming animal shipments.
• Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
• Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.
• Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including housing and study support.
• Assist with receiving, stocking and maintenance of all supply inventories.
• Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.
• Provide minor technical support (restraining animals, collecting blood, injections, clinical treatments) as directed.

Skills

Vertebrate animal handling

Laboratory animal care

Recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Job description

Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, VA seeks an Animal Care Technician to support vivarium operations. You will perform husbandry and care for mice, rats, and zebrafish under supervision in a dynamic team environment.

The role involves receiving shipments, maintaining records, environmental enrichment, and basic technical support. Requires a life science degree and animal-handling experience, with a 3-month temporary contract and possible extension.