Special Services Technician

Special Services Technician

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus. The ARC Special Services unit is responsible for providing colony management and advanced rodent technical expertise to investigators.

The job provides clinical research laboratories with technical support. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. The Special Services Technician provides technical and operational support to investigators conducting animal research under the direction of the Special Services Program Supervisor. This hands-on role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including rodent colony management (breeding and weaning), coordination of weekly Transnetyx sample collection and shipment, and maintenance of specialized supplies and equipment inventory.

Responsibilities:

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff.
• Assists principal investigator group with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning, etc.) within the animal facilities.
• Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit.
• Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Assists with the development of standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program supervisor.
• Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field OR High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of rodent husbandry experience within an academic animal care and use research program.
• Previous work in a biomedical environment and/or research.
• AALAS certification at any level.

Preferred

Competencies:

• Proficiency and comfort with technology systems and software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a customer service orientation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Working Conditions:

• Involves a combination of mobility between facilities and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work.

Application Documents:

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.