ULAR Laboratory Animal Assistant/Technician, Lab Animal
About the role
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize animal cages and equipment using autoclave; clean animal rooms and support areas in the facility by operating mechanical cage washers and sanitation equipment.
- Feed, water and change cages; report any health or environmental problems to supervisor; perform rodent euthanasia.
- Receive and house animals.
- Receive, store and handle feed, bedding and other animal care supplies.
- Assist scientists in solving simple problems related to the animals; answer basic questions about the care of the animals; provide simple, on-site training such as how to pick up an animal, hold an animal and how to put on protective garb.
- Document in writing that animal husbandry tasks have been completed; report problems such as machine malfunctions and animal illness, orally and/or in writing, to supervisor or veterinary staff.
Find out more about the day in the life of a Cagewash Technician through this video: https://upenn.box.com/s/3rqo7zjvn6cxv07sd2vrfp1jsuju02qt
Qualifications
- Lab Animal Assist: High school diploma or equivalent; 0-1 year related experience.
- Tech Assist Lab Animal: High school diploma or equivalent is required plus either one of the following: (1) one year experience in a lab animal facility (animal care experience); or (2) AALAS certification at the ALAT level.
- Plus knowledge of proper handling and restraint techniques of laboratory animals.
- Ability to read, write and comprehend English.
- Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to explain problems/issues/solutions.
- Must be service oriented and able to work as a team member.
- Able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand for long periods.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination before starting work.
- Ability to work weekends/holidays/overtime as required.
- May be required to pass FBI background check.
- Computer skills a plus.
- Special Requirements: Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
Benefits
- Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits; flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre‑tax dollars.
- Tuition: tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent