Animal Research Technician

Overview

Animal Research Technician, Texas A&M Agri Life Research, College Station, TX. This role supports the breeding, colony maintenance, and genotyping of multiple genetically distinct laboratory mouse strains to advance biomedical research. The position ensures the health and welfare of animals, maintains accurate colony records, and manages various projects and breeding schemes. The role may involve mouse dissection and tissue collection in a regulated research environment.

• Breeding Colony Management: maintain breeding pairs and trios across multiple laboratory mouse strains; monitor breeding performance (plug checks, pregnancies, litter outcomes); wean pups and separate by sex; manage colony structure including expansion, retirement, and strain-specific breeding strategies; monitor general animal health during routine handling and breeding activities; maintain sanitary conditions.
• Record Keeping and Colony Management Systems: maintain accurate electronic and/or paper-based colony records; update cage cards, breeding logs, and strain lineage information; track colony inventory (strain distribution and cage counts); ensure data integrity and compliance with institutional record-keeping standards; communicate colony status updates with research staff as needed.
• Genotyping and Sample Processing: collect tissue samples (e.g., ear punches or tail snips) for genotyping; dissect and collect tissues from mice used in studies; label, organize, and track samples for downstream genetic analysis; support PCR/genotyping workflows in coordination with research staff; ensure accurate linkage of genotype data to colony records and individual animals.
• Other Duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience in animal husbandry.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Knowledge of animal handling techniques and the ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
• Ability to learn and apply mouse breeding colony management procedures and animal handling techniques.
• Ability to learn and follow laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and institutional guidelines.
• Ability to learn sample collection, processing, and genotyping workflows.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and enter data into electronic tracking systems.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience with laboratory mice in a research or vivarium setting; experience managing or maintaining mouse breeding colonies; experience collecting tissue samples for genotyping or downstream analysis; familiarity with PCR-based genotyping techniques and sample tracking procedures.

• Position requires regular work with laboratory mice in a research setting and compliance with institutional animal care and use policies and procedures.
• Successful completion of all required animal handling, biosafety, and occupational health training.
• Ability to exert heavy force as needed.

Texas A&M Agri Life offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; paid holidays and paid leave; retirement system enrollment; and wellness programs. The position requires working in an animal facility environment and fulfilling institutional requirements.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Texas A&M University System is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees, and prospective employees. Internal and external applicants may apply through the appropriate Texas A&M System member posting.