Research Associate - In Vivo

About the role

The Research Associate supports the execution of regulatory developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART) studies in rats and rabbits, including fertility, embryo-fetal development, and pre/postnatal developmental studies. This role involves performing a wide range of technical procedures on laboratory animals, collecting biological samples and data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, and documenting all study activities according to approved protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements. The Research Associate works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, accurate, and timely study conduct within a dynamic vivarium environment. Relocation assistance is offered for candidates relocating to the area.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of regulatory DART studies in rats and rabbits, including fertility, embryo-fetal development, and pre/postnatal developmental studies.
• Observe animals closely and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, activity, or overall well-being in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform study procedures according to approved protocols, SOPs, and GLP requirements to ensure regulatory compliance and data integrity.
• Collect biological samples such as blood and urine from laboratory animals using approved techniques.
• Administer test materials and treatments using appropriate routes and techniques as specified in study protocols.
• Assist with anesthesia, sedation, catheter placement, and other technical procedures according to gestational and developmental timelines.
• Assist with reproductive and developmental endpoint collection, ensuring accurate and consistent data capture.
• Perform fetal collection and assessment, including tissue and reproductive organ collection and fixation.
• Conduct necropsy activities as required, including maternal animal necropsy, uterine evaluation, ovarian assessment, visceral examinations, and skeletal evaluations.
• Perform technical procedures on laboratory animals (mice, rats, canines, non-human primates), including restraint, injections, blood draws, urine collection, catheterization, and anesthesia.
• Operate laboratory equipment and collect specimens and data on laboratory animals as specified in protocols and SOPs.
• Train staff on technical procedures involving animals, including injections, blood draws, urine sample collection, catheterization, restraining, anesthesia, tissue collection, and fetal collections and assessments.
• Monitor the progress of studies during the in-life phases to verify adherence to study guidelines, timelines, and quality standards.
• Create, review, and revise SOPs relating to animals, technical procedures, and facility operations to support continuous improvement.
• Document study procedures and results in study notebooks in accordance with GLP regulations and internal documentation standards.
• Support study supervisors and study directors by performing and assisting with sample and data collection on research studies.
• Participate in cross-training and ongoing skill development across animal research functions to broaden technical capabilities.
• Work closely with Study Directors, Veterinary Services, and Operations teams to coordinate study activities and resolve issues.
• Work cross-functionally on process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Identify and resolve problems as they are encountered, using practical problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form to carry out study activities accurately.
• Maintain organization and effectiveness in a fast-paced, changing environment while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• BA/BS degree in a scientific discipline (preferred).
• Experience working with animals in research or a regulated environment (preferred).
• Ability to perform technical procedures on laboratory animals, including restraint, injections, blood draws, urine collection, catheterization, anesthesia, tissue collection, and fetal collection and assessment.
• Working knowledge of GLP standards and the ability to perform procedures in compliance with GLP requirements.
• Intermediate computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office suite, Project, InfoPath, and Access.
• Ability to readily adapt to new software and digital tools used in the research environment.
• English proficiency sufficient to read and interpret industry-specific documents, SOPs, and study protocols, and to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Basic math skills as they apply to interpreting scientific data and performing calculations.
• Strong attention to detail while effectively multi-tasking across studies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain organization in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Comfort communicating with all levels of employees and leadership in a clear and professional manner.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems as they arise using practical reasoning skills.
• Capability to interpret a variety of instructions provided in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Positive attitude toward work and co-workers, supporting a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to manage change and readily adapt to new projects and evolving study requirements.
• ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification (preferred).
• Experience as a GLP auditor or familiarity with GLP auditing practices (beneficial).
• Experience or coursework in biology or related scientific fields (advantageous).
• Experience working in a vivarium or animal facility environment (beneficial).
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally on process improvements.
• Readiness to participate in cross-training and ongoing skill development across animal research functions.

Work environment

This role is primarily based in a vivarium setting, with approximately 90% of work involving direct interaction with laboratory animals and animal samples. The environment includes working with multiple species such as mice, rats, canines, non-human primates, and regulatory DART studies in rats and rabbits. The position involves frequent use of laboratory equipment, adherence to GLP standards, and performance of technical procedures in a controlled, regulated research facility. The work setting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring flexibility, organization, and comfort with changing study demands and cross-functional collaboration. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required to ensure safety and compliance when handling animals, samples, and equipment.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Schedule

Contract position, fully onsite in Everett, WA. Position anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.