Laboratory Animal Technician II

About the role

The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) provides care, health, and well-being for all research animals at Baylor College of Medicine. This position involves providing routine care and handling of aquatic laboratory animals in specialized housing, aquatic housing, and biohazard areas. CCM staff attend monthly all-staff meetings, safety trainings, facility staff meetings, TAR trainings, and review CCM SOPs as required.

Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Weekend and holiday work is required on a rotational basis, as CCM operates 365 days a year. Coverage during weather-related storms may also be required.

Responsibilities

• Provides skilled animal husbandry support and care:
  • Feeds and waters animals according to CCM schedules and instructions.
  • Performs daily health checks on animals.
  • Changes animal caging as scheduled, per SOPs.
  • Takes ownership of facility sub-areas and ensures quality assurance, including readiness for regulatory inspection.
  • Communicates animal care information of moderate to significant importance within and outside the division, including requests for deviations from standard animal care documented via Special Care Instruction Forms.
  • Explains practices, procedures, and policies to reach alignment within the facility and among research staff working in sub-areas.
  • Recognizes and troubleshoots minor husbandry-related needs.
• Ensures accurate record keeping and documentation:
  • Completes husbandry logs and facility spreadsheets.
  • Maintains accurate health records.
  • Establishes, monitors, and maintains non-animal and animal inventories.
  • Follows and ensures compliance with animal welfare laws and regulations.
• Maintains working areas:
  • Ensures supplies are stocked in animal rooms and procedure spaces for daily use.
  • Sanitizes rooms, equipment, and hallways as scheduled.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient record keeping and log documentation.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Solid understanding of laboratory laws, regulations, and IACUC policies.
• Proficient rodent handling skills.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., email, Excel, Word).

Schedule

Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Weekend and holiday work required on a rotational basis. Coverage during weather-related storms may be required.

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 employment.