Job Description

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.

ADA Forsyth, an independent not-for-profit research organization, is located in the Brick bottom District of Somerville, in a newly built life-science building. We are in close walking distance to restaurants, the Community Path, and T & bus routes for easy commuting.

ADA Forsyth Institute is seeking a Part-Time Animal Technician to join our team. This role is ideal for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and interested in supporting animal care in a research environment. The Animal Technician will assist with daily animal care and husbandry activities under the supervision of senior staff. This is a part-time position requiring approximately 8–10 hours per week, including weekend and holiday coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform animal care and husbandry functions under supervision
• Conduct daily animal health duties, including:
• Observations
• Cage checks and changes
• Feeding and other essential care tasks
• Maintain adequate supplies of PPE and notify staff when restocking is needed
• Participate in daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and sanitization procedures
• Monitor and record environmental conditions (temperature and humidity)

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience working with laboratory animals (rodents) preferred
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols
• Proven dependability and integrity are essential
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as needed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and move heavy objects
• Ability to work from a standing position for prolonged periods
• Ability to perform repetitive motion tasks

Additional Information

• In-house training will be provided
• Opportunity for support toward professional certification through American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

Working Conditions

This position involves work within an animal research facility environment and may require exposure to laboratory animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

ADA Forsyth Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.