Animal Care Technician

Job Summary

The Office of Research & Innovation is seeking to hire a University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) Animal Care Technician.

The ULAR Animal Caretaker Technician ensures the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. It includes general husbandry practices, sanitation of the physical plant, animal observations, and record keeping. The incumbent also provides assistance and direction to junior staff and research technicians.

Essential Functions

• Provide primary care to animals on a daily basis including:
  
  
  
  • Observe animals and report any abnormalities to Supervisor of Animal Care, Veterinarian, and Principal Investigator.
  • Maintain detailed animal records which include daily/weekly observations, monthly weights, laboratory procedures and any surgeries or illnesses.
  • Provide food and water to all animals within assigned care (may be responsible for providing special diets or fluids).
  • Provide clean and appropriate housing for animals within assigned care.
  • Receive incoming animals which includes a primary health check, providing immediate housing and notifying the Principal Investigator.
  • College fecal/urine samples as required.
  • Help in the treatment of sick or injured animals, as well as vaccinating and maintaining healthy animals.
  • Assist in training new employees and advising Animal Care Technician I.
  • Assist Veterinarian and/or Veterinary Technician in performing treatments or procedures on animals.
  • Assist the Veterinary Technician in maintenance and supply of the sterile operating room areas.
  
  
  
  
• Responsible for the physical environment of animals including:
  
  
  
  • Using moving equipment to transport animals, cages, and other ancillary items.
  • Clean and sanitize animal housing areas and cages as directed. This includes the operation of the cage wash machine and the autoclave.
  • Clean and sanitize ancillary rooms in the animal facility including receiving, surgery, and recovery areas.
  • Responsible for trash and waste removal consistent with University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Observe and record the temperature and humidity of all animal housing areas.
  • Observe and report any indications of vermin or pest infestation.
  • Conduct inventory of some supplies and equipment required by ULAR.
  • Responsible for the proper handling and safe use of all equipment operated in the animal facility.
  • Keep accurate records to ensure proper temperature and cleaning capability.
  
  
  
  
• Maintain confidentiality of workplace information according to policies and procedures of the institution.
• Other Duties As Assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience.
• Must become certified as AALAS Technologist within 1 year of employment or appointment to this position.
• Motor coordination to grasp small animals to avoid injury to the animal or the handler.
• Must be dedicated to the humane care of laboratory animals.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory tests, including blood counts and chemistries and microscopic examinations.
• Knowledge of common practices of animal care and normal animal behavior.
• Knowledge of the use and care of common laboratory equipment and proper use, application, handling, and storage of all chemicals used throughout the facility, i.e. centrifuge, microscope, refractometer and similar.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and completely.
• Ability to disseminate relevant information to colleagues.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping
• Lifting demands 25lbs

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade H. Compensation for this grade ranges from $17.14 - $25.71 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.