Animal Technician II

About the role

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine. This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the daily care of various laboratory animals, including mice, rats, rabbits and/or other species of laboratory animals as necessary.
• Cleaning, feeding and watering of animals as assigned.
• Observation of animals for abnormalities and sickness and reporting such findings to the appropriate supervisory or veterinary personnel.
• Observation and reporting of deviations in the environment which would affect animal health or research projects (e.g. high temperature or humidity).
• Accurate record keeping of daily animal census and other information as requested.
• Complying with federal, state & local regulations concerning laboratory animals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Animal Care Facility Supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50lbs and push/pull up to 300lbs routinely.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7.5‑hour shift.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (e.g. N95 mask or PAPR), if/when necessary.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with at least 3‑6+ months experience in laboratory animal care required. Post‑secondary education may count toward work experience.
• Additional Qualifications and Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; must be able to communicate effectively with and relate to various personnel throughout the University.
• Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with navigating web‑based applications.
• Eligibility for ALAT certification preferred.

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

Pay

This position is salary grade level 048. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Schedule

Standard Hours/Schedule: 37.5 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Weekend and holiday work may be required on a rotating schedule. This position is considered to be essential personnel for the Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine. Weekend and holiday work may be required as well as attendance during school closures (due to inclement weather and/or other emergencies).