Animal Technician

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth

C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care programs commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility. The benefit package at Harvard is exceptional including a degree through the extension school.

Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment. Responsible for daily care of various species of laboratory animals including feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages as assigned.

• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or have been administered hazardous chemicals;
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner;
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes;
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed;
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed;
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel;
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.;
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs;
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation;
• Conduct animal census as needed;
• Euthanize animals as directed;
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment;
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed;
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks;
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals;
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

• Position is 100% on site. Remote work is not possible
• Position is considered essential and will be required to report to work during school closures, inclement weather, and/or other emergencies.
• Working during weekends and holidays required on a rotating schedule. Weekend work is expected at least once per quarter but staff may volunteer at a higher frequency if desired. Other overtime may also be required.
• Occupational health screening and clearance to work with animals will be required.

• Capable of maneuvering and handling heavy equipment on wheels.
• Able to remain on feet, either walking or standing, for the duration of a work shift, with scheduled breaks.
• Comfortable with performing tasks that require repetitive motions.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. with frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Willingness to work in an environment with animals and related materials.

Basic Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

• This position requires detailed and close visual inspection of…