Job Description

Animal Technician, Containment Laboratory

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Global Health Research Complex

Commensurate

College Station, Texas

Staff

Who We Are

The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is a state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility dedicated to advancing animal, human, and environmental health in Texas and around the world. As part of a leading global health initiative, GHRC supports innovative, multidisciplinary research focused on addressing emerging infectious diseases, strengthening agricultural biosecurity, and developing diagnostics and countermeasures that protect both public health and the food supply. Through its advanced facilities and collaborative environment, GHRC plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of scientists while driving solutions to some of the most pressing global health challenges.

What We Want

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in maintaining high standards of animal care within a regulated research environment. The ideal candidate is comfortable following strict biosafety and operational protocols, works effectively in a team, and demonstrates strong observational and organizational skills. Candidates with a Bachelor of Science in an agricultural or animal-related field, prior experience in biocontainment or laboratory animal programs, and relevant certifications (such as AALAS/ALAT) are strongly preferred, along with the ability to obtain required clearances. This role is best suited for someone dependable, adaptable to physically demanding conditions, and committed to supporting critical research through consistent, professional animal husbandry and facility operations.

What You Need To Know

Salary: Compensation will becommensurateto the selectedhire’sexperience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• Must be able to undergo and maintain a favorable background investigation and National Select Agent Registration security risk assessment. Must be able to work some weekends and/or holidays and be “on-call”.

• Persons in this position are considered essential when the University declares an emergency, campus closure, class cancellations, etc., and are therefore required to report to work and remain on duty unless/until relieved by the direct supervisor.

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

The Animal Technician, Containment Laboratory is a position at the Global Health Research Complex (GHRC), a biocontainment facility at Texas A&M University. This position is responsible for: performing all aspects of daily animal care and animal husbandry in ABSL-2 and BSL3-Ag environments; monitoring and recording environmental parameters and conditions; and performing other related duties.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Associates degree in an agricultural or animal-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three years’ experience with large animal species such as cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in an Agricultural or animal-related field.

• Prior experience in a biocontainment program (BSL-2, ABSL-2, BSL-3, ABSL-3, or BSL-3Ag). Prior experience working with wildlife species.

• Must be able to successfully obtain Biological Select Agent and Toxin certification.

• American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification.

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to handle, restrain, clinically observe and identify health concerns in a wide range of large animal species.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with people.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires mobility and agility to move quickly in a dangerous situation. This job has a potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposures and requires the ability to work sometimes under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise).

• Medical evaluation is required at least annually, and full participation in a medical clearance program is required, which includes blood testing and possibly vaccinations.

• May be required to take several showers each day, is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Essential Duties/Tasks

• Animal Care - Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for research animals in a bio-containment facility including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring. Assures animals are appropriately maintained and cared for in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisor’s instructions. Decontaminates, cleans, and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates equipment such as autoclaves, chemical foamer/sprayers, and pressure washers. May perform technical services such as blood, tissue, urine/feces collection, administering prophylactic treatments and injections. Assists with animal handling and restraint for tissue collections. This job has a potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposures and requires the ability to work sometimes under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). May be required to take several showers each day, is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and stand for prolonged periods of time. Must have the physical ability to lift or move heavy loads.

• Facility Operations - Monitors and records environmental parameters and conditions. Maintains animal room logs, animal health records, census sheets, and other essential records. Responsible for the preparation of animal holding rooms before the start of experiments, including assembling penning, and penning movement/storage. Maintains and stocks appropriate supplies such as animal feed and PPE for the animal rooms; assists with facility laundry as needed. Assists with the disinfection of necropsy spaces; assists with carcass disposal in the on-site tissue digester. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled; and other duties as assigned. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff.

Why Texas A&M University?

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.