Research Animal Health Technician

What We Are Looking For

The Research Animal Health Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring the wellness of research animals and the efficient operation of the Research Animal Facility within the College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor University.

A High School Diploma and research animal experience are required. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant work experience are preferred. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What You Will Do

• Provide routine treatments and procedures for clinical cases and coordinate with the Baylor Attending Veterinarian (AV) to support remote and on-site management of new cases.
• Conduct treatment of clinical cases based on recommendations provided by the AV
• Provide clinical assessments and relay information as needed to support remote diagnosis of research animals by the AV (or designee)
• Provide clinical support as needed to AV (or designee) during in-person visits to assess animal health; including assisting with surgical and post-surgical procedures and monitoring
• Create and maintain animal health records and data
• Support basic and routine animal husbandry needs in the A&S research animal facilities.
• Be part of the team performing daily health/wellness check, 
• Perform assigned cage changes/preparations, 
• Provide weaning for housed animals as needed, 
• Ensure adequate food and water provided in appropriate condition
• Communicating needs or deficiencies to the facility manager, AV, staff, and/or PIs as appropriate to maintain compliance
• Provide basic and advanced training to facility users
• Provide basic training on animal handling and facility SOPs to new users and workers in the research animal facility in workshop and one-on-one sessions.
• Provide specified procedural/surgical training as appointed and trained by the AV and/or research animal facility manager 
• Support routine maintenance and related needs in the facility
• Help maintain clean and sanitary spaces in the facility; including assistance with quality control testing for cage washers, autoclaves, water bottles, treatment and distribution systems, and room sanitation.
• Organize and perform sentinel or rodent health surveillance program requirements, including collecting and submitting samples and maintaining any related animals.
• Help maintain essential equipment and supplies at the instruction of the facility manager
• Support the facility manager in efforts related to ordering and budgeting for supplies
• On-call / Emergency Response and other duties
• Be available after hours to support weekend and holiday husbandry needs and to respond to facility emergencies related to animal health and facility infrastructure. 
• Tasks as assigned by supervisor
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Preferred Skills

• Experience in lab/research settings
• Rodent handling and basic procedures (examination, blood collection, anesthesia, minor surgical procedures, etc.)
• Experience making health assessments

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!