Laboratory Animal Technician 1

Department Summary

Terrestrial Animal Care Services (TeACS) is responsible for managing and administering a centralized program of laboratory animal care. The functions of TeACS include daily animal care, veterinary care, research and surgical support, and training of research and technical personnel who use live animals for research or teaching. TeACS is an academic service unit (for research and teaching) that reports to the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), which promotes excellence in research at the University of Oregon.

This department cares for animals in compliance with the federal Animal Welfare Act, the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training.

Position Summary

The Lab Animal Technician provides animal facility support and care for a variety of laboratory research animals, primarily rodents. The technician is the first line of defense in spotting and responding to health and environmental problems.

Major responsibilities include following standard operating procedures for animal care, including daily health check, feed, water, and routine cage changes; room and facility maintenance, including cleaning, sanitizing and / or sterilizing animal caging, as well as cleaning and maintaining rooms and support areas; and maintaining accurate and detailed records of when tasks are performed. Additional essential responsibilities include the provision of routine animal health care including observation and assessment of health status and administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinary staff. This position may require you to perform humane euthanasia when indicated, following the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines on Euthanasia, and typically requires the ability to lift and move cages, equipment, and supplies.

Lab Animal Technicians work as a member of a highly interdependent team providing direct animal care and technical services. This includes regular communication with students, staff, and faculty working in TeACS, as well as veterinary staff. The animal care team provides weekend and holiday care for the animals, which is an essential part of the position.

Minimum Requirements

• Six months of experience caring for animals (e.g. watering, feeding, bedding, housing, checking animals’ health, etc.).