What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician I position at Allen Institute?
- A cover letter outlining how your work experience meets the job requirements is preferred.
The mission of the Allen Institute administration team is to provide support and structure to the scientific divisions. Coinciding with the team science approach, administration helps facilitate team learning and the overall mission of the Institute.
The Animal Care Technician I is responsible for the daily care of research animals and vivarium operations. Duties include and are not limited to daily cage washing, cage changing, maintaining a clean environment, monitoring the overall health of the animals, following Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions and to work efficiently in a team environment.
Our ideal team member will possess excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the willingness to work with moderate supervision completing daily operations and tasks. This position reports to the team lead.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Essential Functions
- Preparing and sterilizing rodent caging, equipment, accessories, and enrichment devices
- Handling waste disposal tasks
- Performing vivarium housekeeping duties
- Changing cages, feed, and water
- Maintaining and monitoring vivarium equipment
- Monitoring animal health
- Monitoring the room environment
- Identifying tattoos and ear notches
- Performing euthanasia per AVMA guidelines
- Following written Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and regulatory requirements
- Maintaining accurate written and computerized records
- Performing duties under limited supervision
- Working with supervisor to prioritize daily tasks
- Other duties as assigned
Required Education And Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Animal experience preferred but not required
- AALAS Certification or vet tech training preferred but not required
- This position requires working in a laboratory animal environment 8 hours daily and wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) which may include wearing respiratory protection for long periods of time
- Role requires operation of cage washing and bedding disposal equipment
- Laboratory duties involve safely handling or working near chemical, biological or other hazardous material
- Position requires working in loud, wet environments
- Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
- Perform daily husbandry tasks, including cage changing and room maintenance for standard, ABSLII and immunocompromised mice
- Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po)
- Conduct routine daily health observations and promptly report abnormalities to supervisory or veterinary staff
- Perform humane euthanasia
- Support daily vivarium operations, sanitation, and stocking supplies
- Follow enhanced handling, PPE, and biosecurity procedures for specialized colonies (e.g., immunocompromised and ABSL-2)
- Accurately record animal care activities and communicate relevant information to team members and supervisors
- Ability to lift and move 40 lbs on a regular basis and sustained physical activities such as bending, balancing, stooping, reaching, and remaining standing for long periods of time
- Pushing heavy rack systems and supplies
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands required; repetitive motion with equipment
- Performing daily tasks while wearing Personnel Protection Equipment which may include scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis
- This position is essential to the care of animals and expected to report to work daily, regardless of weather and/or other conditions
- On call, weekend, and holiday shifts required
- All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.
- **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas and has no relocation assistance**
- $43,850 - $55,120*
- Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.
- Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outline in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
Salary : $43,850 - $55,120