Lab Animal Technician

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The University of North Texas Animal Resource Core (ARC) is a research core within the Division of Research and Innovation, providing comprehensive laboratory animal care, research support and specialized animal facility services to support the university’s research and academic mission.

Position Overview

The Lab Animal Technician provides essential daily husbandry and animal care for laboratory animals housed in the within the Vivarium Animal Lab. Working under direct supervision of the Research Animal Lab Manager, this position performs essential daily animal care tasks and supports operations to ensure that facility maintains the highest standard of excellence is provided for humane animal care. The position's performance of job duties must also maintain compliance for operations within a bio secure facility environment in accordance with institutional standard operating procedures and all applicable regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and ensure compliance with state, federal, and university regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with research staff, faculty, and other personnel.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior, welfare, and handling procedures.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory animal care equipment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and animal cages.
• Ability to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and kneel.
• Knowledge of research animal care, including quarantine, biohazard, or barrier areas.
• Experience with record-keeping and maintaining detailed logs related to animal care.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and independently.
• Dependable, industrious and conscientious work ethic with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work independently as well as with others
• Ability to complete an Occupational Health Medical history review and receive clearance to work with animals prior to commencing work.

Preferred Qualifications

Animal care work experience in a laboratory animal facility, veterinary clinic, farm setting or comparable environment.
Familiarity with IACUC regulations and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification or ability to obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
Must be up-to-date and remain current on Tetanus vaccination.

Job Duties

• Performs basic animal care functions including daily husbandry for multiple laboratory animal species, provision of food and water, adherence to biosecurity procedure, animal handling and restraint and cage changing. Maintain accurate husbandry and quality control records; completes required documentation in a timely and legible manner.
• Conducts daily health observations and reports abnormal findings or animal welfare concerns to the supervisor promptly. Monitors and reports facility environment conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation) and alerts the supervisor to any deviations. Adheres to all PPE requirements and safety protocols.
• Cleans, sanitizes and maintains assign animal housing and support areas in accordance with departmental SOPs and biosecurity protocols. Operates and performs basic maintenance on sanitizing and sterilizing equipment and other related facility equipment.
• Coordinates and assists with supply delivery, inventory replenishment and cage preparation activities.
• Carries out all duties in compliance with PHS, USDA and IACUC standards as well as institutional policies and SOPs. Maintains professional, cooperative working relationships with research staff, facility personnel and colleagues. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Elevated temperatures.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
• Noisy environments.
• Small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Work with toxic or caustic chemicals. 

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Some holidays and weekends as required to care for animals.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.