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.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

Responsible for the daily care of various laboratory animals, including mice, rats, rabbits and/or other species of laboratory animals as necessary.

Duties include cleaning, feeding and watering of animals as assigned.

Other responsibilities include:

• Observation of animals for abnormalities and sickness and reporting such findings to the appropriate supervisory or veterinary personnel.
• Observation and reporting of deviations in the environment which would affect animal health or research projects (e.g. high temperature or humidity).
• Accurate record keeping of daily animal census and other information as requested.
• Complying with federal, state & local regulations concerning laboratory animals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Animal Care Facility Supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs and push/pull up to 300lbs routinely.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7.5-hour shift.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (e.g. N95 mask or PAPR), if/when necessary.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent with at least 3-6+ months experience in laboratory animal care required.
• Post-secondary education may count toward work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; must be able to communicate effectively with and relate to various personnel throughout the University.
• Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with navigating web-based applications.
• Eligibility for ALAT certification preferred.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 37.5 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Weekend and holiday work may be required on a rotating schedule. This position is considered to be essential personnel for the Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine. Weekend and holiday work may be required as well as attendance during school closures (due to inclement weather and/or other emergencies).
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation 
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 048. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.