LAB ANIMAL TECH/CONTAINMENT

The University of Georgia (UGA), chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and Georgia’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is located in Athens, with extended campuses across Georgia. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and 7,700 full-time staff, serving over 41,000 students.

About the Department

The College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training veterinarians, providing clinical services, and conducting research to improve animal and human health. The college operates state-of-the-art facilities, including the Animal Health Research Center (AHRC), an AAALAC-accredited animal facility focused on infectious disease research and public health safeguarding.

About the Role

This is a high-containment laboratory animal husbandry position at the Animal Health Research Center (AHRC). The role involves performing all aspects of animal care for laboratory and agricultural animals in ABSL-2, ABSL-3, and ABSL-3Ag environments. The incumbent will adhere to strict biocontainment protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and participating in multiple daily showers as required by facility policies.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for research animals in ABSL-3/ABSL-3Ag facilities, including:
  • Feeding, watering, and handling/transporting animals
  • Conducting animal health checks, cage changing, and providing environmental enrichment
  • Monitoring and reporting animal health issues
  • Restocking and cleaning animal holding rooms
  • Maintaining animal clinical records
  Percentage of time: 50%
• Decontaminates, cleans, and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures, and caging equipment following established procedures. Operates equipment such as autoclaves, bedding dump stations, IVC racks, chemical foamer/sprayers, biosafety cabinets, and cage washers. Sets up and breaks down laboratories in accordance with research schedules. Percentage of time: 30%
• Maintains and stocks supplies and equipment inventories. Performs minor preventative maintenance on animal care and ancillary equipment. Assists with facility annual performance verifications, training, and integrated pest management monitoring. Percentage of time: 10%
• Initiates and maintains compliance records, including animal room logs, sanitation logs, autoclave logs, census activity sheets, and select agent tracking logs. Assists in developing standard operating procedures. Performs technical services such as blood/tissue/weight/temperature collections and administering animal medications. Participates in training classes and the UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled. Percentage of time: 10%

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling various animal species
• Experience working in a veterinary, research, or laboratory setting
• Experience in ABSL-2, ABSL-3, or ABSL-3Ag environments
• Basic understanding of infectious disease research strategies
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and observational skills
• Ability to work independently and promote teamwork
• Adaptability to changing priorities

Skills

• Developed communication and critical thinking skills
• Situational awareness and observational skills
• Ability to follow direction and work in a team environment
• Physical ability to perform demanding tasks, including:
  • Sustained periods of standing, bending, stooping, and reaching above shoulder level
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Working in challenging environmental conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta, and noise)
  • Wearing PPE (PAPRs, protective clothing, respirators, gloves) for prolonged periods
  • Handling and treating multiple species of animals, including large hoofstock in confined spaces

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Rotating weekends and holidays required

Pay

Advertised salary range: $41,500 – $52,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Retirement plan: TRS (Teachers Retirement System of Georgia)
• Benefits-eligible position