What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Technician I position at Allen Institute?
Animal Technician I Scientific Support
* A cover letter outlining how your work experience meet the job requirements is preferred
The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.
The mission of the Allen Institute administration team is to provide support and structure to the scientific divisions. Coinciding with the team science approach, administration helps facilitate team learning and the overall mission of the institute.
The Animal Care Technician I is responsible for the daily care of research animals and vivarium operations. Duties include and are not limited to daily cage washing, cage changing, maintaining a clean environment, monitoring the overall health of the animals, following Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions and to work efficiently in a team environment.
Our ideal team member will possess excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the willingness to work with moderate supervision completing daily operations and tasks. This position reports to the team lead.
The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.
Essential Functions
- Preparing and sterilizing rodent caging, equipment, accessories, and enrichment devices
- Handling waste disposal tasks
- Performing vivarium housekeeping duties
- Changing cages, feed, and water
- Maintaining and monitoring Vivarium equipment
- Monitoring animal health
- Monitoring the room environment
- Identifying tattoos and ear notches
- Performing euthanasia per AVMA guidelines
- Follow written Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and regulatory requirements
- Maintaining accurate written and computerized records
- Perform duties under limited supervision
- Work with Supervisor, to prioritize daily tasks
- Other duties as assigned
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Animal experience preferred but not required
- AALAS Certification or vet tech training
- Ability to follow written Standard Operating Procedures or Work Instructions
Work Environment
- This position requires working in a laboratory animal environment, 8 hours daily and wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) which may include wearing respiratory protection for long periods of time.
- Operation of Cage washing and bedding disposal equipment
- Laboratory duties involve safely handling or working near chemical, biological or other hazardous material
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift and move 40 lbs on a regular basis and sustained physical activities such as bending, balancing, stooping, reaching, and remain standing for long periods of time
- Pushing heavy rack systems and supplies
- Duties include motions that are repetitive tasks
- Performing daily tasks while wearing Personnel Protection Equipment which may include scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection
- Working in loud, wet environments
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This position is essential to the care of animals and expected to report to work daily, even in the event of inclement weather conditions
- Work on call, weekend, or holiday shifts as needed or as assigned
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- In keeping with our focus on employee safety, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. All employees will be required to keep their vaccination status up to date according to CDC guidance and our policy.
Additional Comments
- **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas and has no relocation assistance**
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
