Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

This position ensures the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. It includes general husbandry practices, sanitation of the animal care and use areas, and animal observations and record keeping.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the physical environment of animals
  • Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
  • Clean and sanitize animal cages as directed (this includes the operation of the cage wash machine and the autoclave). 
  • Clean and sanitize ancillary rooms in the animal facility including receiving, surgery, and recovery areas.
  • Responsible for trash and waste removal consistent with University Laboratory Animal Resources standard operating procedures.
  • Responsible for observing and recording the temperature and humidity of all animal housing areas. 
• Responsible for the proper handling and safe use of all equipment operated in the animal facility:
  • Cage wash Machine:
    • Used to sanitize racks, cages, and water bottles (Must keep accurate records to ensure proper temperature and cleaning capability)
    • Autoclave: Used to sterilize caging and supplies.
    • Records must also be kept to validate sterilization.
    • Chemical Foamer: Used to apply cleaning and sanitizing agents.
    • Heavy-duty floor buffer: Used to scrub and wax floors.
    • Wet/Dry Vacuum: Used to remove debris and various liquids.
    • Using moving equipment to transport animals, cages, and supplies.
    • Clothes Washer and Dryer: Used to wash and dry scrub suits, linen and other materials.
    • Knowledge of proper use and application, and handling and storage of all chemicals used throughout the facility is required. 
• Maintains confidentiality of workplace information according to policies and procedures of the institution - (Essential)
• Work hours include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. This position is designated “essential personnel” as defined by university policy.
• Provide primary care to animals on a daily basis which includes (but is not limited to the following):
  • Observe animals and report any abnormalities to the Veterinary Technician, Veterinarian, and/or Principal Investigator
  • Maintain detailed animal records which include daily/weekly observations, daily room maintenance log.
  • Responsible for providing food and water to all animals in his/her care (may be responsible for feeding special diets or providing special fluids).
  • Responsible for providing clean and appropriate housing for animals in his/her care.
  • Responsible for receiving incoming animals which includes a primary health check, providing immediate housing and verifying the delivery information.
  • May participate in training Animal Care Technician I. 
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of Minimum of 1 year of laboratory animal related experience.
• Must be dedicated to the humane care of laboratory animals.
• Have knowledge of common practices of animal care.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and completely.
• Knowledge of normal animal behavior.

Preferred Qualifications

• ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification preferred and LAT certification within two years of employment

Physical Demands

• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 50lbs

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $21.71 - $32.57per hour.  Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.