"Animal Technician I / Cage Washer"

Animal Technician I / Cage Washer

Posting date: March 12, 2026

002510SR

1. Job Type

Full-time

2. Location

Boston

3. School/Unit

Harvard Medical School

4. Department

Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine

5. Salary Grade

047

6. Job Function

Research

7. FLSA Status

Non-exempt

8. Term Appointment

Yes

9. Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

Performs basic duties related to the daily preparation of clean caging to be used in the animal facilities as well as general maintenance and upkeep.

Duties include:

• Disassembling and emptying dirty cages;
• loading and unloading cage components into cage wash machines;
• loading and unloading sterilizers;
• reassembling cage components;
• disinfection of animal-related supplies prior to use;
• general cleaning and preventative maintenance of cage wash machines and sterilizers;
• general cleaning and maintenance of cage wash area;
• other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and push/pull 300 pounds, routinely.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7.5 hour shift.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (e.g. N95 mask or PAPR), if/when necessary.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; must be able to communicate effectively with and relate to various personnel through the University.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 37.5 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. This position is considered essential and will be required to report to work during school closures, inclement weather, and/or other emergencies. Weekend and holiday work may be required on a rotating schedule.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 047. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.