Research Vivarium Husbandry Technician

Position : Research Vivarium Husbandry Technician

Locations : San Diego, CA 92121 (Onsite)

Duration : 3 6 months with possible extension

Pay Rate : $20 / hr. W2

Interview : Onsite / Virtual

JOB DESCRIPTION

Cares for the animals used in research and development studies.

Performs duties related to the maintenance of experimental animals such as feeding , cage cleaning , daily care , handling , and basic observations .

Holds animals for treatment by laboratory technicians or assists with maintaining inventory and animal identification records .

Performs cleaning and sanitation of the animal facility and equipment.

Responsible for biosafety and biosecurity of the animals.

May partner with pre-clinical investigators to support veterinarians with surgery , dosing , post-op care , and monitoring of animal studies.

Key Responsibilities

Provide daily husbandry , animal care, and environmental enrichment.

Ensure clean, sanitized cages, rooms, and equipment.

Maintain accurate records : animal ID, counts, health notes, and inventory.

Follow SOPs , GLP requirements , and facility procedures.

Observe and report abnormal animal behaviours or health changes.

Support veterinary team with procedural assistance , as needed.

Maintain biosecurity controls and contamination prevention.

Qualifications

Experience level : Entry-level to experienced candidates accepted

Must be comfortable working with research animals

Ability to follow strict SOPs , documentation standards, and safety rules

Understanding of animal handling , care, and welfare principles

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting (cages, supplies, equipment)

Exposure to animal dander , cleaning solutions, controlled facility environments

Must be able to wear PPE for extended periods

Work Environment

Controlled-temperature vivarium environment

Works with live research animals , bedding materials, sanitizing agents

Must adhere to biosecurity , biosafety , and contamination-prevention procedures

Regular use of PPE : gowns, gloves, masks, shoe covers, eyewear

Candidate Self-Assessment Qualifying Skill Matrix

(Candidate to self-score on a scale of 1 = Beginner to 10 = Expert)

Required Skill / Area

Skill Rating (1 10)

Years of Experience

Notes / Comments

Working with research animals

Performing husbandry tasks (feeding, watering, enrichment)

Cage cleaning and sanitation procedures

Knowledge of animal handling / restraint

Understanding of biosafety and biosecurity

Recognizing abnormal behaviours / health issues

Maintaining animal identification and inventory records

Following SOPs , GLP, and facility guidelines

Assisting veterinary staff (surgery, dosing, post-op monitoring)

Working in vivarium environments

Ability to perform physical labour (lifting, bending, cage movement)

Comfortable wearing PPE

Cleaning facility rooms, racks, and equipment

Working with sanitation and disinfectant chemicals

Communication with investigators / veterinary team