Job at a glance
Lab Technician Job Description The Lab Technician supports a regulated vivarium environment by performing animal husbandry, facility operations, and documentation tasks that enable high-quality scientific research. This role focuses on learning and applying core laboratory and vivarium skills, adhering to Good Laboratory Practices and Standard Operating Procedures, and ensuring animal care and data integrity meet established performance standards.
Responsibilities Complete training focused on general core skills for the assigned area of work and apply learned procedures consistently. Comply with all applicable safety, health, and study requirements as described in Standard Operating Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and relevant regulatory guidelines including ALCOA+, USDA, AAALAC, and other governmental regulations. Follow appropriate safety and health practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to barrier requirements, as applicable.
Handle, restrain, and manipulate animals in a consistent, professional, and empathetic manner. Recognize and monitor animal behavior and health status, and promptly report observations through appropriate channels. Perform routine animal husbandry duties, including cleaning, feeding, sanitation, and enrichment activities on a regular basis. Operate, maintain, and perform tasks with vivarium equipment such as cage washers, autoclaves, and cage movement systems on a regular basis.
Observe and report any irregularities in animal room environments, including room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, and presence of vermin. Carry out general facility cleaning, stocking of supplies, and inventory management to ensure a well-maintained work area. Receive and distribute animals for isolation, study assignment, or consolidation in accordance with established procedures. Meet acceptable data standards as defined by data quality performance requirements, ensuring work is completed with integrity and can be relied upon.
Review and check data upon completion, and process deviations, edits, and corrections in a timely and accurate manner. Provide support to other departments and act as a collaborative resource to facilitate coordination within the GLP vivarium environment. Participate in weekend and evening rotations as needed to maintain continuous animal care and facility operations. Document activities, observations, and study-related information accurately to support contract research organization scientific studies.
Support process improvements and cross-functional initiatives that enhance research support services and operational efficiency. Identify and report problems encountered during daily work and assist in resolving issues to maintain smooth operations. Essential Skills High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum of 1 year of related experience, with previous animal experience strongly preferred. Experience working within a GLP environment supporting a vivarium with mammals.
Demonstrated skills in animal husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, sanitation, and enrichment. Ability to handle, restrain, and manipulate animals professionally and with empathy. Knowledge of MS Office suite and the ability to adapt easily to new software programs. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, software manuals, study documents, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence with clear and accurate documentation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships. Demonstrated personal and professional integrity and discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to manage multiple, conflicting priorities and maintain organization in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Self-directed and motivated, with a willingness to take initiative to identify and anticipate needs and ma