CBR Animal Lab Technician

Salary/Position Classification

• $17.40 Hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

This position ensures that the husbandry procedures according to the National Research Council “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" are properly performed. The animal care technician provides all levels of services ranging from custodial duties, preparation and sanitation of equipment involved in housing, animal husbandry duties, as well as technical assistance to researchers. This position is responsible for caring and maintaining experimental animals, observing animal behaviors and monitoring animal health status. They oversee animal breeding colonies as well as monitor the Sentinel mice used in the health monitoring program. Successful teamwork depends upon reliability, interdependency among co-workers and good communication. CBR staff are responsible for the Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), the CBR2 Vivarium located at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the BRCF located in Columbia Hall. Animals must be properly cared for 365 days per year; therefore, this position sometimes requires the individual to work during weekends, emergencies, and closures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administers Animal Care Program
  • Provide animal care in line with requirements in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (The Guide) and IACUC-approved research protocols, including preparing and monitoring special diets, monitoring water consumption, and monitoring animal health throughout their time in the facility.
  • Monitor animal rooms to ensure temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc. are appropriate for the safety of research animals.
  • Monitor individually ventilated cage (IVC) racks, flushing waterlines and ensuring racks are operating normally.
  • Provide specialty care for animals as needed on a protocol-by-protocol basis and maintain knowledge of all protocols involving biohazardous materials to ensure proper safety precautions are followed by staff and researchers.
  • Train researchers and staff in the proper usage of equipment and record-keeping requirements, and maintain supplies needed for the conduct of research.
  • Serve on call on weekends and after hours based on a rotating scheduled.
  • Prepare and sanitize equipment used in animal housing and husbandry.
• Administer Diagnostic and Disease Surveillance Treatment Program
  • Assist in medical treatment of animals, including administration of medications
  • Perform animal euthanasia as directed and assist with autopsies.
  • Assist with animal health monitoring program by collecting samples from sentinel animals.
• Record Keeping
  • Responsible for recording all pertinent data from breeding colonies including: Litter sizes, date of birth, sex, etc.
  • Accurately record incoming animals, mortality, euthanasia, and transfer of animals.
  • Accurately record daily inventory of animals by protocol number of investigators. 
• Breeding Colonies
  • Observe pregnant dams and report unusual signs/behavior to supervisor. Notify investigator upon litter delivery when requested.
  • Observation/maintenance of animal neonatal care.
  • Maintain animal weaning including sexing. Observe weaned animals/environment intently for adaptation to mother separation.
  • Foster animals as needed including choosing foster mom to give pups the best chance of survival. 
• Professionalism/Teamwork
  • Provide effective services to the animal care program through punctuality and promptness.
  • Effectively communicate with investigator and the investigator team.
  • Provide effective services to the animal care program through teamwork by showing regard towards co-workers in cooperation, willingness, and communication.
  • Provide effective services to the animal care program with communication, respect, and regard for the guidance set forth by the supervisor. Follow and adhere to supervisor direction.
• As a UND employee, it is expected to treat one another and the public in a cordial, civil and respectful manner and at all times, practice the principles of honesty, respect, integrity and trust in order to respect the diversity of all peoples; communicate in a professional, positive and respectful manner; and exhibit ethical behavior. 

Required Competencies

• Must be dependable and have an excellent attendance record
• Strong emphasis will be placed on the ability to prioritize, organize and multi-task while working under time constraints
• Must take the initiative to work independently as well as part of a team
• Respectfulness, cooperation, and following orders are imperative
• Must have strong communication skills
• Must have strong observational skills
• Must be punctual, dependable, honest, and trustworthy
• Understanding of the need for the use of animals in biomedical research, and empathy and compassion towards research animals

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma
• Experience utilizing Microsoft - Excel, Word
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or three years of directly related work experience
• Familiarity with and/or have experience in a laboratory setting are preferred
• Experience with handling mice and rats is preferred

To Apply

Please submit a resume/cv and cover letter detailing how you meet the position requirements.