Team Leader, Laboratory Animal Care

About the Role

The Team Leader leads by example, serving as a strong problem-solver overseeing group tasks and training Animal Care Technicians. Team Leads perform routine and specialized duties, partner in operational planning, develop work instructions, standard operating procedures, and policies, and direct the work of technicians. Animal welfare is our priority.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties of a Laboratory Animal Care Technician and support department shipping duties.
• Direct day-to-day workload for assigned teams and train technicians on relevant techniques to meet and exceed production goals and standards.
• Ensure all procedures comply with Animal Welfare regulations, AALAC, Quality documents, health and safety, ISO 9001, and IACUC regulations.
• Evaluate and discern issues or concerns, escalating as needed.
• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset by overseeing and suggesting workflow improvements.
• Optimize room, colony, and technician performance; collect samples; manage shipping; and ensure accurate and timely task completion.
• Assess compliance for inventory management and meet reporting deadlines.
• Monitor, practice, and enforce biosecurity requirements and measures.
• Provide support, including coaching, development, and real-time feedback on employee performance to strengthen the team and organization.
• Promote a culture of safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and teamwork.
• Handle high-volume documentation, including editing, monitoring, retrieving, sending, and completing production worksheets and colony records.
• Ensure compliance with assigned colony levels and production goals while maintaining accurate records.
• Understand genotype results for animal selection, such as project cohorts or Retired Breeder stock (where applicable).
• Report incidents or injuries with a sense of urgency following established procedures.
• Course correct and guide technician practices, methods, or work styles to align with organizational standards, documenting training and record-keeping as needed.
• Perform other duties consistent with the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Excellent problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to grow and influence others and strengthen teams.
• Ability to evaluate the work of others objectively and evidence-based.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and operate with the highest ethical standards, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and complete multiple, competing tasks and demands.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint) with a willingness to learn company-specific systems and software.
• Minimum High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced education in Animal Science or Business preferred.
• Prior leadership experience.
• 1-3 years' experience in Animal Care / PSS.

Physical Requirements

• Shower daily upon arrival and wear company-issued attire.
• Lift up to 50 lbs on occasion.
• Stand/walk on concrete for at least 2-6 hours at a time.
• Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, squat, and lift.
• Proficient in English communication: reading, writing, and oral.

Work Environment

Production, office, and shipping environments with biosecurity entrance requirements. May be assigned to other departments with varying temperatures and odors.

Pay

Anticipated salary range: $27.00 per hour, adjusted according to the level of the role and the candidate's relevant experience and/or education. This position may be offered at different levels based on qualifications, with salary adjusting accordingly.

Benefits

• Health and dental coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401K and more.