Animal Research Technician

Job Summary

Performs animal husbandry and health care in accordance with experimental protocols, the Animal Welfare Act/Regulations, the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, company policies, and Veterinary Sciences standard operating procedures. This role also assists with scientific procedures per study protocols, maintains documentation associated with all job assignments, and provides equipment sanitation and facility maintenance. The position operates in an animal research laboratory setting under Biosafety Level 1 and 2 conditions. The individual may provide guidance to junior team members as delegated by the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader and may serve as a site representative on committees or workgroups.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Comply with applicable regulations and company policies
• Document and maintain records of animal care, preventive medicine, USDA-required, and study protocol-driven documents
• Provide animal husbandry and care, including feed, water, and enrichment materials
• Maintain, adjust, and repair animal pens, feeders, drinking systems, and livestock handling equipment
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of animal rooms and equipment
• Provide supervision of junior team members when delegated by Group/Team Leader or site management
• Restrain and handle animals for routine and emergency procedures
• Recognize signs of illness, distress, or abnormal behavior in animals and communicate observations to the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader
• Conduct daily animal health and welfare assessments
• Administer treatments to animals under the direction of the Site Veterinarian or delegate
• Conduct scientific clinical observations and disease outcome assessments
• Administer experimental treatments in accordance with study protocols
• Record all scientific information using study-provided or departmental documentation
• Administer and monitor sedation, and conduct euthanasia under supervision per study protocols and veterinary direction
• Perform site biosecurity functions, including water system sanitation, decontamination of feed and fomites, and collection of environmental audit samples
• Assist with clinical R&D sample collection pre- and post-mortem according to study protocols and investigator direction, including but not limited to blood, feces, oral fluids, nasal, tonsillar, or laryngeal swabs, and tissues
• Assist with necropsies at the direction of the Site Veterinarian or delegate

Skills and Requirements
Physical Demands / Surroundings

• Ability to work in extreme environments (hot, cold, noisy, humid, etc.) with strict adherence to biosecurity, attention to detail, and timeliness
• Must demonstrate persistence and energy in a fast-paced and demanding work environment
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently
• Must be willing to work directly with animals during ante-mortem and post-mortem procedures
• Must not have allergies to animals or livestock/feed dust

Visual Demands

• Must be able to read and see clearly; prescription eyewear is allowed

Temperament / Mental Requirements

• Must maintain an even temperament when working with livestock
• Must be results-oriented, cooperative, and a systematic thinker
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented environment
• Must exhibit sound judgment, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage processes and projects effectively

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required