Senior Lab Animal Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Senior Lab Animal Technician

Employee Classification: Sr Lab Animal Technician

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Research & Innovation

Sub Division-Department: UNT-Research & Innovation

Department: UNT-Vivarium Animal Lab-190400

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The University of North Texas Animal Resource Core (ARC) is a research core within the Division of Research and Innovation, providing comprehensive laboratory animal care, research support and specialized animal facility services to support the university’s research and academic mission.

Position Overview

The Sr Lab Animal Technician provides operational and technical support for the daily functions of the Vivarium Animal Lab. Reporting to and in collaboration with the Research Animal Lab Manager, this position ensures the delivery of high-quality animal care, mentors junior husbandry staff and supports regulatory compliance across institutional and federal standards. This position provides technical expertise and guidance as a resource for supporting all research staff and animal care personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field, and two years of experience in laboratory animal care or animal husbandry; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technician level required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to keeping up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill in decision making by considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and choosing the most appropriate one.
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Ability to perform maintenance, to follow instructions, and to interpret drawings and diagrams.
• Ability to complete an Occupational Health Medical history review and receive clearance to work with animals prior to commencing work.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of two years work experience providing responsible laboratory animal care in a Vivarium Animal Lab facility.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification as Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
Must be up-to-date and remain current on Tetanus vaccination.

Job Duties

• Assist the Research Animal Lab Manager with day-to-day oversight of Vivarium operations, proactively identifying and communicating animal welfare issues, facility concerns, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Provides guidance, training and technical mentorship to students and animal user; supports skill development and adherence to institutional protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Assist in developing and maintaining SOPs, ensures compliance with IACUC and other regulatory agencies, and maintains required records and inspection documentation.
• Conduct daily inspection of animal housing and support areas; reviews check sheets and observation logs; documents and reports findings; coordinates with compliance staff during periodic formal inspections.
• Performs and assists with technical procedures including blood collection, dosing, tissue harvesting, euthanasia and other research support activities as authorized under active IACUC protocols.
• Operate and train others on the use of cage wash units, autoclaves, and other facility equipment
• Coordinates animal and supply shipment and inventory, oversee the distribution of facility supplies and track inventory levels. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. 

Environmental Hazards

• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Work with toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Elevated temperatures.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
• Noisy environments.
• Small and/or enclosed spaces. 

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Some holidays and weekends as required to care for animals.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.