What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Technician position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Posting Description
ANIMAL TECHNICIAN, Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) (multiple openings) , to perform, under the supervision of the area supervisor or lead technician, any and all duties involved in the care of research animals at the Whitehead and/or MIT campus as assigned; maintain proper levels of food and water for animals in accordance with established standard operating procedures; clean and/or change animal cages/pens/trays; handle/move all animals including larger animals from one cage/pento another; monitor environmental controls to ensure that temperature and humidity conditions in animal quarters are within specified limits and report discrepancies; operate cage wash equipment in order to wash cages, trays, water bottles, and related caging and equipment; use other cleaning equipment as assigned; perform additional housekeeping functions such as cleaning laboratory walls, floors, etc., in animal facilities; monitor animal wellbeing and health, record data on cage cards, post appropriate cage cards, and report illnesses to the veterinary staff, area supervisor, or lead technician; remove, identify, and store deceased animals; and perform related duties or caretaking functions as assigned.
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : High school diploma or its equivalent; knowledge of and ability to work with animals and a commitment to their well-being; willingness to participate in classes, seminars, and training programs to enhance understanding of laboratory animal care and use; and ability to lift 50 lbs. and to read, write, and speak in the English language. PREFERRED : a minimum of one year’s experience of animal care.
A work week that includes Saturdays and Sundays will be required.
All animal technicians are classified as “essential personnel” and are required to report to work regardless of emergency Institute closings.
Newly hired, uncertified animal technicians will be paid 85% of the bottom rate in effect at the time of hire.
Employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check, including checking criminal records.
4/14/2026
ANIMAL TECHNICIAN, Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) (multiple openings) , to perform, under the supervision of the area supervisor or lead technician, any and all duties involved in the care of research animals at the Whitehead and/or MIT campus as assigned; maintain proper levels of food and water for animals in accordance with established standard operating procedures; clean and/or change animal cages/pens/trays; handle/move all animals including larger animals from one cage/pento another; monitor environmental controls to ensure that temperature and humidity conditions in animal quarters are within specified limits and report discrepancies; operate cage wash equipment in order to wash cages, trays, water bottles, and related caging and equipment; use other cleaning equipment as assigned; perform additional housekeeping functions such as cleaning laboratory walls, floors, etc., in animal facilities; monitor animal wellbeing and health, record data on cage cards, post appropriate cage cards, and report illnesses to the veterinary staff, area supervisor, or lead technician; remove, identify, and store deceased animals; and perform related duties or caretaking functions as assigned.
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : High school diploma or its equivalent; knowledge of and ability to work with animals and a commitment to their well-being; willingness to participate in classes, seminars, and training programs to enhance understanding of laboratory animal care and use; and ability to lift 50 lbs. and to read, write, and speak in the English language. PREFERRED : a minimum of one year’s experience of animal care.
A work week that includes Saturdays and Sundays will be required.
All animal technicians are classified as “essential personnel” and are required to report to work regardless of emergency Institute closings.
Newly hired, uncertified animal technicians will be paid 85% of the bottom rate in effect at the time of hire.
Employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check, including checking criminal records.
4/14/2026