"Life Sciences Animal Technician I"

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nation's second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a full-time Life Sciences Animal Technician. The Life Sciences Animal Technician will work in the Research Service Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) under close supervision of the facility supervisor and Veterinary Medical Officer. This entry-level position supports routine daily cleaning, maintenance, and standardized animal husbandry activities while learning proper procedures and protocol.

Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 3 pm, weekend and holiday work will be required.

BENEFITS

PAVIR offers generous benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, 14 paid holidays, paid vacation time, sick pay, a 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share, a wellness program, commuter benefits, and professional development training. Plus, we pay for life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance. Full time hours are 40 hours a week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clean and maintain cage wash areas and assigned procedure rooms according to established procedures.
• Properly use cage wash equipment (e.g., rack and tunnel washer, steam sterilizer, bedding dump station) following training and instructions.
• Clean and process animal equipment (e.g., cages, racks, water bottles, wire bar lids, filter tops) through cage wash following standard operating procedures.
• Assist with coordinating delivery of supplies to animal housing rooms and cage wash areas.
• Support facility maintenance, pest control, and EMS pick-up scheduling as directed.
• Assist VMU staff with maintaining basic caging and equipment inventories and report shortages to supervisors.
• Provide standard animal care for multiple species (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, pigs, amphibians, sheep) following established protocols and supervision.
• Remove deceased animals and promptly report findings to veterinary staff.
• Perform daily cage checks and change cages as directed to maintain appropriate animal environments.
• Clean animal rooms, equipment, and support areas as assigned.
• Observe animals for general health concerns and report any abnormalities to supervisory or veterinary staff.
• Follow instructions related to basic preventative care and treatments under supervision.
• Monitor ventilated racks, hoods, lighting, and temperature settings and report concerns or malfunctions to VMU supervisors.
• Document observed clinical issues and communicate findings to veterinary staff as instructed.
• Assist with basic rodent procedures (e.g., injections, anesthesia support) only after training and under direct supervision.
• Assist with rodent identification and breeding documentation following established procedures.
• Communicate operational issues to VMU staff and follow provided guidance to resolve them.
• Support investigators by assisting with basic tasks, trainings, or animal care activities as directed.
• Receive incoming animals, verify shipping documentation, and house animals according to SOPs under supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: HS diploma or equivalent experience;
• 0-2 years of experience providing care to research animals or demonstrated interest and willingness to learn animal care in a research environment;
• Ability to work some weekend and holiday coverage, required.
• Desired: Basic understanding of animal care principles or willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to organize daily tasks with guidance and adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic communication skills.
• Familiarity with animal tracking systems (e.g., Atune) is helpful but not required; training will be provided.

ABOUT PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH (PAVIR)

PAVIR facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative health research.