Laboratory Animal Technician

Animal Behavior Technician

DLAR-Veterinary Services - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26004526)

The individual will serve as an Animal Behavior Technician within the Division of Laboratory and Animal Resources (DLAR). The individual will assume a lead veterinary support role by assisting DLAR veterinarians, managers, and supervisors with enhancing the animal environment for all species and providing for the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates (NHPs) and regulated birds as required by applicable regulations, industry guidelines, and institutional and DLAR policies and practices.

The position requires successful enrollment in the University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by the current research activities.


Vaccination and/or TB testing may be required.

The successful candidate must be able to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate and legible records and other forms of documentation, consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills, be available to work weekends and holidays, travel to multiple buildings in a timely manner, stand for extended periods of time, lift 50 pounds, push/pull heavy equipment, pass the mandatory criminal and social background check, and possibly the PA Child Abuse History Clearance and/or Federal Select Agent Clearance.

Job Summary

Performs behavioral assessments on new and existing acquisitions of nonhuman primates. Supports the research program by promoting the environmental enhancement and psychological well-being of nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species, in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to:

• Read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable;
• Follow written and verbal instructions;
• Have sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to recognize and identify normal and abnormal species specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, safely handle and restrain the animal species involved with his/her duties, and operate and maintain facility equipment and supplies utilized in the provision of veterinary care and animal husbandry and care;
• Wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S;
• Work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary;
• Accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS);
• Effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email;
• Receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.

Physical Effort

The employee must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the work day;
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds;
• Perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending;
• Physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals;
• Negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Animal Behavior Technician

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Animal Research

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No


Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Internal candidates: Certification by AALAS at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level External candidates: Certification by AALAS at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level within 12 months of start date


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm. Some weekends and holidays.


Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable

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