Research Animal Technician and Breeding/Behavioral Specialist

About the position

Baylor University is seeking a Research Animal Technician and Breeding/Behavioral Specialist within the Baylor Sciences and Facilities Department. The Research Animal Technician and Breeding/Behavior Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the wellness of research animals and the efficient operation of the Research Animal Facility at Baylor University. The position supports animal welfare needs with routine facility and animal care by providing specialized service and consultation to enable robust breeding and behavioral strategies to support colony health. This position is a mission-essential component of the Baylor Animal Program, enabling an appropriate level of support, oversight, and expertise in the Research Animal Facility to enable pursuit of AAALAC accreditation. A High School Diploma is required. A Bachelor’s Degree and five years of relevant work experience, especially in handling laboratory rodents, is preferred. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily health/wellness checks on research animals.
• Perform assigned cage changes/preparations, including weaning for housed animals as needed.
• Manage rodent breeding and breeding strategies in the facility.
• Create and maintain relevant records and data for animal health and success of breeding programs.
• Maintain and evaluate cage enrichment items in collaboration with researchers, staff, and the AV.
• Evaluate and implement new enrichment items through consultation with AV.
• Conduct intervention for behavioral issues in colony animals in consultation with the AV.
• Provide periodic reports highlighting results of implemented interventions.
• Provide basic training on animal handling and facility SOPs to new users and workers.
• Provide specified procedural/surgical training as appointed and trained by the AV.
• Support procedural needs for the AV and Animal Care technician by cross training.
• Help maintain clean and sanitary spaces in the facility.
• Organize and perform sentinel or rodent health surveillance program requirements.
• Help maintain essential equipment and supplies at the instruction of the facility manager.
• Be available after hours to support weekend and holiday husbandry needs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the mission of Baylor University.
• Comply with University policies.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Five years of relevant work experience, especially in handling laboratory rodents.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Generous time off
• Tuition remission
• Outstanding automatic retirement contributions