Job Description
Req Id:  39600
Job Title:  Laboratory Animal Technician
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

Job Summary

Work as part of a pre-clinical studies team with the responsibility to maintain resources to assist with studies involving laboratory animals. This position includes facility upkeep and maintenance along with transport and basic care of animals in a research setting.

 

This position requires a person to be reliable, flexible and detail oriented. Must perform the necessary functions to fulfill research obligations while staying within sponsor protocols and regulatory compliance. Establishing a good working relationship with the team, sponsors, and other groups on campus are critical to success in this position. 

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Assist in maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment in the lab, sterile surgery and supporting areas. Process and distribute lab laundry.
  • Complete routine preventative maintenance of lab support equipment including eye wash stations, air purifiers and auto water system. Aid in maintaining cleanliness of transport van and coordinating mechanical upkeep. Monitor and rotate oxygen tanks.
  • Animal Care and Husbandry: Stocking and cleaning of housing areas. Perform daily observations and basic care of research animals. Assist with initial and ongoing health evaluations. Maintain regular communication with the team and Laboratory Animal Program Veterinarians.
  • Aid in transport of animals between housing units, Animal Science Research Center and our labs. Work closely with housing staff to assure proper documentation and communication.
  • Review and understand standard operating procedures and protocols. Develop familiarity with regulatory requirements, including those of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).  Communicate with team to assure safety and regulatory compliance.

 

About Us:

At the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, we are changing the biomedical engineering field through education and  research. Biomedical engineers innovate medical devices, advanced therapeutics and better healthcare diagnostics and delivery systems. We apply technical skills in engineering design and biological science to challenges in healthcare. At Purdue, we create exciting new spaces for experiential learning, clinical collaborations and discovery with global impact.

 

For more information about our department, please visit: Biomedical Engineering - Purdue University

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent 
  • Two years’ experience working with animals in a research, clinical or agricultural setting.
  • Comfortable working with animals in a research setting and willing to learn to work with and handle a variety of species. 

 

Skills needed:

  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English to effectively communicate and understand others
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Learn and follow safety procedures; includes the wearing personal protective equipment as required
  • The ability to work as a reliable member in an established research team and willingness to learn new procedures
  • Ability to learn to perform routine animal care, and evaluate the general condition of study animals under guidance of experienced staff
  • Maintain daily animal care records
  • Must be able to work well with others and work in a team environment
  • Some weekend and evening work will be required; weekend work and late duties will be rotated among team members
  • Ability to learn and use powered and non-powered floor care equipment
  • Ability to follow written preventative maintenance instructions for a variety of equipment.
  • Ability to lift and carry 25-50 pounds frequently and 60 pounds occasionally
  • Must have a valid driver's license 

 

Nice to have:

  • Experience with laboratory and farm animal species in a research, clinical or farm setting
  • Experience in laboratory work, methods and safety
  • Experience with maintaining records for GLP studies
  • Working knowledge of regulatory compliance issues in animal research
  • Course work in the field of biological sciences, veterinary technology, agriculture, or nursing
  • AAALAS certification 

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

  • Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 2
Pay Band S035
Job Code#20003326
 
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University

Posting Start Date:  11/6/25