ANIMAL TECHNICIAN III

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Animal Technician III

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Mid-senior level position responsible for the daily care of research animals maintaining a clean environment and daily observation of the overall health of the animals.
• Conducts daily animal health observations and completes health reports identifying sick animals.
• Performs animal health treatments with direction from the veterinary staff.
• Transfers animals from dirty to clean caging providing appropriate feed, water and bedding. Notify appropriate personnel of abnormal conditions.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and autoclaves caging, equipment, and refills water bottles. May also clean and replace excreta pans or pads.
• May breed rodents, identify pregnant animals, wean animals, and perform routine technical procedures such as tailing, bleeds, and injections.
• Maintains animal records including animal breeder cards, production logs, pedigree charts, inventory sheets, treatment logs, etc.
• Permanently identifies animals by ear tag, ear notch or tattoo.
• Euthanizes animals according to written procedures.
• Receives and ships animals as well as reports discrepancies to the appropriate personnel.
• Performs clinical and research related techniques such as injections, sampling of bodily fluids, tissue harvest.
• Communicates with research staff on issues involving animal health, breeding, or regulatory matters.
• Maintains cagewash equipment, including cleaning the screens, jets, and manifolds. Performs preventative maintenance such as descaling tanks and polishing machines.
• Performs general housekeeping duties including but not limited to sweeping and mopping work areas and corridors. Properly disposes of waste.
• Assists with the health monitoring program, including testing for parasites, performing physical examinations, or necropsies.
• Receives and inventories feed, bedding, and supplies. Autoclaves feed, bedding, and cages in preparation for use.
• May perform specialized tasks in hazard containment rooms, quarantine areas, or animal facilities adhering to regulations pertaining to biohazards while maintaining clean to soiled traffic flow patterns.
• Adhere to the department's guidelines and standard operating procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). 
• Minimum five years animal care experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in a life science, Associate's degree in veterinary technology, or AALAS certification and one to three years animal care experience may be substituted for total experience required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.  
• Effective interpersonal relation skills. 
• Must demonstrate competency in technical procedures. 
• Those not assigned to a Dedicated Weekend Schedule (Fri-Mon) OR Sat/Sun only schedule, must be able to work weekend and holiday rotations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to work with animals for up to 8 hours a day and lift feed bags and animal cages up to 50 pounds; as well as perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists and hands. This position may also include utilizing latex gloves and working in an environment that contains animal dander and dust particles. Further details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $24 to $28 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.