Demo

Animal Care Technician

Confidential
Confidential Salary
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/25/2026

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Animal Care Technician. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality husbandry and animal care in support of preclinical research studies. This role requires experience working with rodents and rabbits, a strong commitment to animal welfare, and the ability to maintain accurate records while working in a regulated laboratory animal environment.

Responsibilities

  • Perform daily husbandry duties for laboratory animals, including cage changing, feeding, watering, and environmental enrichment in an ABSL-2 animal facility.
  • Ensure humane care and promote the health and welfare of all research animals in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
  • Observe animals daily for health and behavioral abnormalities and promptly report concerns to the veterinary or research staff.
  • Receive, inspect, unpack, identify, weigh, transport, and house incoming animals while maintaining accurate documentation.
  • Perform animal identification using approved methods.
  • Maintain accurate records of animal health observations, environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), and husbandry activities.
  • Assist with routine animal procedures, including restraint, handling, injections via multiple administration routes, blood collection, and other procedures as directed.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the vivarium and ensure proper waste disposal according to facility SOPs.
  • Assist with animal census, inventory management, and stocking of supplies.
  • Work effectively in clean-side/dirty-side barrier facilities while following biosafety and biosecurity procedures.
  • Support compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), AAALAC, USDA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with research scientists, veterinary staff, and facility personnel to support preclinical studies.

Education & Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or a related field with 3 years of laboratory animal experience. Or Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or a related field with 2 years of laboratory animal experience.
  • Experience with husbandry, handling, and routine procedures involving rodents; experience with rabbits is highly desirable.
  • Strong observational, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to accurately maintain records and follow SOP.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in an ABSL-2 or barrier animal facility.
  • Familiarity with IACUC, AAALAC, USDA, and applicable animal welfare regulations.
  • AALAS certification (ALAT preferred; LAT or LATG is a plus).
  • Experience supporting preclinical pharmacology or toxicology studies.
  • Flexibility to work occasional weekends, holidays, or adjusted schedules as needed to support animal care.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working in environments with animal dander, allergens, odors, noise, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to perform duties that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $40

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