Laboratory Animal Assistant, Senior - Science Institute

Model Organism Research Facility Laboratory Animal Technician

Perform technical laboratory and/or research tasks involving laboratory animal care; conduct laboratory animal husbandry care and facility preparation and maintenance under limited supervision. Maintain laboratory animal colonies, ensuring they are well cared for and that facilities uphold IACUC standards. Maintain a clean, orderly facility.

This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming's Employee Handbook. Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closures based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up and organize laboratory and supply areas; these include animal holding rooms, procedure rooms, and surgery rooms. Make sure these spaces are always stocked, cleaned, and ready for research needs.
• May be responsible for and supervise others in laboratory preparation, proper storage and disposal of chemicals or biohazards, or for the care and feeding of research animals including diagnosing and treating for minor symptoms of disease and inspecting for health and reproductive condition.
• Perform animal husbandry duties, including but not limited to:
  • Sanitation of cages
  • Changing and disposal of animal bedding
  • Management of food, water and animal enrichment
  • Performing health checks and reporting any abnormalities
  • Performing breeding, weaning, euthanasia and other grooming tasks
  • Cleaning and sanitizing floors, countertops, shelves, and room equipment
  • Taking out trash
  • Maintaining clean filters in IVC caging racks, room equipment and water filters
  • Maintaining the vivarium's sentinel program
• Maintaining facility cleanliness and ensuring the rooms are stocked appropriately. These include the following duties, but are not limited to:
  • Stocking rooms with paper towels, trash bags, soaps, cleaning supplies, PPE, etc.
  • May assist employees in research projects and experiments, test and teach new methods and techniques that relate to animal handling and procedures.
• Use dump stations, cage washer, autoclave and other large equipment to clean animal cages and other animal husbandry items to maintain a high level of cleanliness and biosecurity. Also using validation techniques to ensure the equipment is running correctly and that sanitation is being achieved. Perform routine maintenance and upkeep on this equipment as scheduled.
• Maintain detailed and complete animal records within our facility software.

Supplemental Functions:

• Supervise and train new part time/student workers.
• Essential position that will require working some over weekends, holidays, and university breaks (spring and winter breaks)
• Serve as backup emergency contact and access provider for the MORF facility manager when needed.

Competencies:

• Independence
• Technical/Professional Knowledge
• Safety Awareness
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Orientation
• Individual Leadership
• Work Prioritization & Management

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Associate's degree in a related field

Experience: 1-year work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:

• Ability to participate in the University's Animal Occupational Health and Safety Program, including submission of required health and vaccination records to the designated health provider for clearance to work with animals
• Ability to complete all mandatory online safety and animal-use training modules as assigned by the institution upon hire

Desired Qualifications:

• Membership with AAALAS and certification as an Animal Laboratory Technician (ALAT or higher)
• Be willing to learn new skills and master multiple tasks quickly
• Be skilled with Teams, Outlook and Outlook calendar
• Be willing to learn facility management software
• Value and follow safety protocols and procedures
• Keep accurate logs of tasks completed
• Keep accurate room and animal health records
• Be able to communicate effectively with faculty, students and staff
• Have the ability to be an essential worker; be available for weekend, holiday and university closure coverage on a rotating basis; and serve as the emergency contact for the facility when the director is unavailable

Required Application Materials:

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 05/13/2026 will receive full consideration.