Job Title: Animal Care & Insectary Technician

Position Summary:
The Animal Care & Insectary Technician provides daily husbandry and operational support for laboratory animals and insect colonies in an AAALAC-accredited research program. This position is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal welfare in accordance with institutional policies, IACUC-approved protocols, and applicable regulatory guidelines (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals). Responsibilities include cage wash operations, glassware sanitation, and participation in weekend and holiday coverage to ensure uninterrupted care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry for laboratory animals and insect colonies, including feeding, watering, environmental monitoring, and enrichment in accordance with established SOPs and IACUC-approved protocols
• Observe animals and insect colonies for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior; promptly report concerns to veterinary or supervisory staff
• Maintain insect colonies (e.g., breeding, life stage management, environmental controls, and population tracking) following established insectary procedures
• Operate cage wash and glassware washing/sterilization equipment (e.g., tunnel washers, autoclaves), ensuring proper decontamination and biosecurity practices
• Clean, sanitize, and prepare animal caging, racks, and insectary equipment to meet AAALAC and institutional standards
• Prepare and distribute feed, bedding, and supplies while maintaining appropriate storage and handling procedures
• Maintain accurate and timely records (e.g., census, environmental logs, sanitation records) in compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE, chemical handling, and biohazard containment practices
• Support facility inspections, audits, and accreditation activities by maintaining readiness and compliance
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal rooms, insectaries, and support areas
• Participate in a rotating schedule for weekend and holiday coverage to ensure continuous animal and colony care

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
• Comfortable working with laboratory animals and insects and in environments with variable temperature, humidity, and noise

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position with required participation in weekend and holiday rotation to support continuous operations

Work Environment:

• AAALAC-accredited laboratory animal facility and insectary with exposure to animals, insects, allergens, cleaning agents, and mechanical equipment