HNRC Animal Lab Technician

Salary/Position Classification

• $18.10 per hour, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

This position is part of the Vivarium unit at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. The purpose of this position is to provide laboratory animal care to help fulfill the research needs of the Human Nutrition Research Center. Animals must be properly cared for 365 days per year; therefore, this position sometimes requires the individual to work during weekends, holidays, emergencies, and closures.

This position is contract funded; continuation is contingent on the ongoing availability of external funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide food and water to laboratory animals and obtain accurate weight measurements.
  • Provide food and water to laboratory animals following exact instructions for each group of animals Obtain and record accurate weight measurements of laboratory animals following researchers’ instructions
  • Work as scheduled on weekends, holidays, and as requested during closures and emergencies to ensure animals receive daily care
• Monitor health of laboratory animals
  • Examine every assigned animal daily
  • Note any health concerns and bring to attention of supervisor
  • Provide appropriate medical treatments to laboratory animals
• Sanitation and facility maintenance
  • Rotate and clean animal cages and feed/water containers
  • Follow Vivarium schedules for equipment sanitation and facility maintenance
• Technical assistance to HNRC researchers
  • Assist HNRC researchers using the Vivarium with specific project needs as requested.
• Inventory maintenance
  • Keep work areas properly stocked.
• General duties & responsibilities

Required Competencies

• Ability to prioritize, organize and multi-task while working under time constraints
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Respectfulness, cooperation, and following directions are imperative
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must have strong observational skills
• Understanding of the need for the use of animals in biomedical research, and empathy and compassion towards research animals
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must be able and willing to follow complex written protocols
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as required

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• United States citizenship required due to USDA funding requirements
• Successful completion of a Standard Criminal History Background Check and Federal Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree
• Experience in laboratory setting
• Experience in a university laboratory setting
• Experience handling mice and/or rats