Animal Technician I

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care programs commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility. The benefit package at Harvard is exceptional including degree through the extension school.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment. Responsible for daily care of various species of laboratory animals including feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages as assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or have been administered hazardous chemicals
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation
• Conduct animal census as needed
• Euthanize animals as directed
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Position is 100% on site. Remote work is not possible
• Position is considered essential and will be required to report to work during school closures, inclement weather, and/or other emergencies.
• Working during weekends and holidays is required on a rotating schedule. Weekend work is expected at least once per quarter, but staff may volunteer at a higher frequency if desired. Other overtime may also be required.
• Willingness to work in an environment with animals and related materials

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of maneuvering and handling heavy equipment on wheels.
• Able to remain on feet, either walking or standing, for the duration of a work shift, with scheduled breaks.
• Comfortable with performing tasks that require repetitive motions.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. with frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

Basic Qualifications:

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will also have:

• Clear understanding and knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care activities;
• Knowledge of animal research and breeding procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of rodent quarantine, health monitoring programs, and other related procedures;
• Ability to follow departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a reliable and safe manner;
• Basic proficiency with digital technology, including Microsoft Office and iPhones or their equivalents;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English;
• Enthusiasm for working in a team-based culture;
• Respect for others and compassion for animals.

Certificates and Licenses:

Please note, this position will be hired at either a grade 47 or grade 48, dependent on the ALAT certification level of the successful applicant

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:
• There are two openings, with the two different schedules
• Position 1 – Monday through Friday
  • Regular schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Position 2 – Tuesday through Saturday
  • Training schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (during training period)
  • Regular schedule after training: Tuesday–Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Obtaining American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification required within 18 months of start date.

• Occupational health screening and clearance to work with animals will be required

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 047. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.