Senior Animal Research Technician

Senior Animal Research Technician

Title: Sr Animal Lab Tech

Location: Jefferson County, Alabama

Job type: Contract – hire

Pay rate: $32/hr - $36/hr

The Senior Laboratory Animal Resources Technician provides comprehensive research and technical support within Laboratory Animal Resources facilities. This role requires a strong understanding of scientific principles and research methodologies, proficiency in laboratory and animal-handling techniques, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. The Senior Technician also serves as a mentor and trainer for junior staff and may act as a study lead, providing task direction and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

• Execute study activities in alignment with protocols, SOPs, laboratory methods, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and established safety requirements.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of study design and proper execution of research procedures.
• Administer test and control materials via multiple routes, including gavage, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, capsule, and diet/drinking water.
• Administer anesthesia across all species in the facility and monitor anesthetic recovery.

• Collect and review in-life and husbandry data (e.g., body weights, clinical observations, food consumption) for various study types including toxicology, reproductive toxicity, oncology, and infectious disease studies.
• Perform specialized reproductive procedures such as mating, estrous stage identification, vaginal lavage, handling pregnant/nursing animals, and evaluating pubertal developmental indices.
• Safely handle and restrain multiple species including rodents, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, and non-human primates at ABSL-1, 2, and 3 levels.
• Conduct sample and specimen collection, animal identification procedures, necropsies, and tissue harvesting.
• Assist in surgeries, including equipment sterilization and preparation.

• Set up, maintain, and review study files using the Provantis data collection system.
• Perform electronic randomization procedures within Provantis.
• Create and revise forms, SOPs, and documentation as needed.

• Assist with onboarding and training new laboratory personnel in technical procedures.
• Act as study lead as assigned, managing supplies, ensuring paperwork accuracy, and cross-checking study protocols with ACUP and BPR requirements.
• Monitor junior team member work quality and provide coaching and mentoring.

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and at least 4 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow SOPs, GLP regulations, and study protocols.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to wear PPE (including N95 or PAPR) for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime and participate in rotating weekend/holiday schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, apply, and teach scientific methods and laboratory techniques.
• Must meet all entry, medical, and vaccination requirements for ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 environments, with immunizations determined by the agents handled (e.g., Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, Yellow Fever, Influenza).

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.