Under the direction of the HSCRB Manager of Aquatic Animal Research Facilities, this position will join an aquatics team responsible for the daily care and husbandry of axolotls in a research environment, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulatory guidelines. The Animal Technician will maintain the health and well-being of laboratory axolotls by providing a stable, sanitized environment with quality food, water, and husbandry practices. The position also involves potential exposure to BSL1 & BSL2 chemicals. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) training will be administered and is expected to be followed to ensure the safety of the technician and compliance with the required safety and animal husbandry protocols.

Perform and record daily animal health observations, communicate any adverse findings to the manager, and complete required documentation. Technician will maintain clean, orderly and sanitized work areas - identifying any problems and notifying aquatics facility manager, perform daily room checks for environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, lighting, pH), perform and record all water chemistry testing, and complete required area documentation. Technician will monitor equipment for proper operation and complete appropriate documentation. In accordance to weekly schedules, technician will maintain clean axolotl housing, syphon debris, water exchanges, etc. and setup axolotl matings. Additionally, technician will oversee invertebrate cultures for feeding various developmental stages, monitor supplies and communicate supply needs to manager in timely manner. Under supervision, technician may assist in room training. May assist with experiments conducted in the lab and data analysis. Some holiday and weekend coverage will be required.

At least six months experience in animal care or equivalent.

BA/BS or College background in Biology is strongly preferred as is one year of animal (preferably aquatic) care/husbandry work experience. The job responsibilities require the analytical skills to gather and interpret data in situations in which the information or problems are relatively routine. The successful candidate must be a highly motivated, detail oriented, responsible individual with strong organizational skills and work ethic.

This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on availability of continued funding.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.