Animal Technician II - Duck Lab

About the role

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is seeking a detail-oriented Animal Technician to support animal care and laboratory operations at the Duck Research Laboratory located in Eastport, Long Island.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry and care for ducks used in laboratory studies, including feeding, monitoring health, and maintaining clean, sanitized animal housing areas.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records to ensure compliance with USDA and other regulatory requirements.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain laboratory, production, and storage areas, including sterilizing equipment and properly disposing of regulated medical waste.
• Support vaccine production and quality control activities by preparing sterile equipment and materials, assisting with inoculations and sample collection, and performing basic microbiology techniques.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and inventory, and regularly operate specialized equipment such as autoclaves, pH meters, spectrophotometers, and peristaltic pumps.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma and up to 1 year relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, detailed records and follow established laboratory protocols and documentation standards.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and work independently to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and share information both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency with common office software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to work with formalin.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New York State driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical production experience.
• Previous media prep experience.
• Experience working within an organization with quality assurance.
• Experience caring for laboratory animals.
• Familiarity with common diseases impacting avian health.