Laboratory Animal Technician I

About the role

The Center for Comparative Medicine provides care, health, and well‑being for all research animals used in scientific achievement at Baylor College of Medicine. It delivers high‑quality veterinary and animal care and serves as a resource for faculty on veterinary and scientific issues related to laboratory animal use. Under general supervision, the position provides routine care and handling of laboratory animals in a safe and sanitary manner.

Responsibilities

• Provides skilled animal husbandry support and care (70%); conducts thorough animal health checks of rodents and large‑animal species.
• Feeds and waters animals according to the feeding schedule and instructions.
• Performs thorough cage and equipment cleaning as scheduled, following SOPs.
• Communicates animal‑care information of moderate to significant importance within and outside the division.
• Recognizes and troubleshoots minor husbandry‑related needs.
• Maintains constant professional communication with the manager and veterinarian staff.
• Ensures accurate record keeping and documentation (10%); completes husbandry logs and facility spreadsheets; maintains accurate animal health records.
• Follows and ensures compliance with animal‑welfare laws and regulations.
• Maintains working areas (10%); sanitizes rooms, equipment, and hallways as scheduled; keeps work areas, animal rooms, and related service rooms clean, organized, and stocked with supplies.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned (10%); facilitates communication between team members and upper management; attends monthly staff meetings, safety trainings, facility staff meetings, TAR trainings, and leadership training; provides coverage for staff shortages in husbandry operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• One year of relevant experience.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

Work Authorization

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Schedule

Weekend and holiday work is required on a rotational schedule. Coverage for weather‑related storms may be required as the need arises.