Assistant Laboratory Technician

Position Description

Assistant Laboratory Technician

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Overtime Eligible

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Assistant Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing routine animal husbandry duties and technical procedures in one or more animal facilities.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform routine animal husbandry duties, including cleaning, feeding, and watering of laboratory animal species.
• Follow established policies, procedures, safety, and infection control guidelines.
• Under general supervision, anticipate, coordinate, and perform various specialized technical procedures as assigned (e.g., set up breeding pairs; check for plugs; wean, sex, and tail biopsy rodents; implement environmental enrichment program; collect biological samples; administer injections; receive and house new animal shipments).
• Communicate observations to research personnel and OLAR staff in a timely manner.
• Observe animals in assigned work areas and report any sick, injured, or distressed animals to the veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• Perform veterinary treatment in consultation with the veterinarian.
• Perform euthanasia as requested following AVMA and IACUC-approved guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, including, but not limited to: animal health reports, medical, breeding colony, and inventory records, husbandry and environmental enrichment logs, etc.
• Clean and maintain animal housing and support areas.
• Assist in stocking supplies in animal housing rooms.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment within assigned work area (e.g., ventilated racks, HEPA-filtered workstations, and related equipment). Report malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner.
• Participate in training and continuing education activities as required by federal guidelines and accreditation standards.
• Practice a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
• Handle biohazard and cytotoxic materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Environmental Conditions:

• Atmospheric conditions that affect skin or respiratory system.
• Likely exposure to animal dander, diseases, odors, and bites.
• Likely exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be able to successfully pass the required pre-employment medical clearance. Upon hire, must be willing and able to participate in an Occupational Health program that requires vaccinations (e.g., MMR) along with routine TB testing and other testing and vaccinations, as required by and at the discretion of the Institute.

Administrative Skills:

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective organizational skills.
• Maintain legible logs and records.
• Perform duties in accordance with department policies/procedures.

Computer Skills:

• Basic functions of Outlook, Filemaker Pro, Excel, and Microsoft Word.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift/carry lab supplies, equipment, and/or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Standing: remaining on one’s feet in an upright position.
• Walking: moving about on foot.
• Lifting: raising or lowering an object from one level to another.
• Carrying: transporting an object, usually by hand, arm, or shoulder.
• Pushing: exerting force upon an object so that the object is moved away.
• Pulling: exerting force upon an object so that it is moving to the person.
• Climbing: ascending or descending objects usually with hands/feet.
• Balancing: maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling over.
• Stooping: bending the body by bending the spine at the waist.
• Kneeling: bending legs to come to rest on one or both knees.
• Crouching: bending body downward and forward by bending legs.
• Reaching: extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Handling: seizing, holding, grasping, or otherwise working with hand(s).
• Fingering: picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers.
• Feeling: perceiving attributes of objects by means of skin receptors.
• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
• Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by the ear.
• Eye/hand/foot coordination: performing work through using two or more.

Vision Requirements:

• Near Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Accommodation: ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus.
• Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years or more of related experience.
• ALAT certificate is a plus.
• AA or higher in a related subject.

Machine Skills:

• Autoclave.
• Bottle filler.
• Flexible film isolators.
• Floor Scrubber.
• Rack Washer/Tunnel Washer.
• HEPA filtered workstation.
• HEPA filtered rodent housing system.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter (optional)

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.