Animal Technician I

About the Role

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care programs commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment, including daily care of various species of laboratory animals such as feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages.
• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or have been administered hazardous chemicals.
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner.
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes.
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed.
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed.
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel.
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs.
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation.
• Conduct animal census as needed.
• Euthanize animals as directed.
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed.
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals.
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Position is 100% on site. Remote work is not possible.
• Position is considered essential and will be required to report to work during school closures, inclement weather, and/or other emergencies.
• Working during weekends and holidays is required on a rotating schedule. Weekend work is expected at least once per quarter, but staff may volunteer at a higher frequency if desired. Other overtime may also be required.
• Willingness to work in an environment with animals and related materials.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of maneuvering and handling heavy equipment on wheels.
• Able to remain on feet, either walking or standing, for the duration of a work shift, with scheduled breaks.
• Comfortable with performing tasks that require repetitive motions.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. with frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Clear understanding and knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care activities.
• Knowledge of animal research and breeding procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of rodent quarantine, health monitoring programs, and other related procedures.
• Ability to follow departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a reliable and safe manner.
• Basic proficiency with digital technology, including Microsoft Office and iPhones or their equivalents.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Enthusiasm for working in a team-based culture.
• Respect for others and compassion for animals.

Certificates and Licenses

• Obtaining American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification required within 18 months of start date.
• Occupational health screening and clearance to work with animals will be required.

Schedule

40 hours per week. There are two openings with the following schedules:

• Position 1: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Position 2:
  • Training schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Regular schedule after training: Tuesday–Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.
• Degree programs through the Harvard Extension School.