Department: TeACS Terrestrial Animal Care Services
Classification: Laboratory Animal Technician 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $16.60 - $24.09
FTE: 0.75

Review of Applications Begins

May 22, 2024 ; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit an online application that includes all relevant experience (both paid and unpaid). You are also welcome to submit a brief statement of how you meet minimum qualifications if you believe it would be helpful in clarifying your experience.

Department Summary

Terrestrial Animal Care Services (TeACS) is responsible for managing and administering a centralized program of laboratory animal care. The functions of TeACS include daily animal care, veterinary care, research and surgical support, and training of research and technical personnel who use live animals for research or teaching. TeACS is an academic service unit (for research and teaching) that reports to the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), which promotes excellence in research at the University of Oregon.

This department cares for animals in compliance with the federal Animal Welfare Act, the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training.

Position Summary

The Lab Animal Technician provides animal facility support and care for a variety of laboratory research animals, primarily rodents. The technician is the first line of defense in spotting and responding to health and environmental problems.

Major responsibilities include following standard operating procedures for animal care, including daily health check, feed, water, and routine cage changes; room and facility maintenance, including cleaning, sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal caging, as well as cleaning and maintaining rooms and support areas; and maintaining accurate and detailed records of when tasks are performed. Additional essential responsibilities include the provision of routine animal health care including observation and assessment of health status and administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinary staff. This position may require you to perform humane euthanasia when indicated, following the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines on Euthanasia, and typically requires the ability to lift and move cages, equipment, and supplies.

Lab Animal Technicians work as a member of a highly interdependent team providing direct animal care and technical services. This includes regular communication with students, staff, and faculty working in TeACS, as well as veterinary staff. The animal care team provides weekend and holiday care for the animals, which is an essential part of the position.

Minimum Requirements

• Six months of experience caring for animals (e.g. watering, feeding, bedding, housing, checking animals’ health, etc.).

Professional Competencies

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, and work self-directedly, as well as in collaboration with supervisors and lab staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in the care of animals in a work setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience handling rodents.
• Experience utilizing large equipment (e.g. autoclave, cage/rack washer).
• Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
• Veterinary Technician degree or Bachelor’s degree in animal science, zoology or other relevant field.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.