Animal Care Technicians - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Animal Care Technicians





Job Profile Title

Technician Assistant, Animal Laboratory





Job Description Summary

University Laboratory Animal Research (ULAR) has multiple opportunities for those interested in providing care to our research animals. In this role, you will provide laboratory animal care to a variety of laboratory animals in a safe, humane and sanitary manner, adhering to all federal, state, local and University regulations, guidelines and policies; feed, water and change cages; maintain animals in specialized housing, such as barrier or containment facilities; clean and sanitize cages and equipment; assist scientists in solving simple problems related to the animals; answer basic questions about the care of the animals; provide simple training such as how to pick up an animal and how to hold an animal; document in writing completion of animal husbandry tasks. Operates and maintains sanitation and sterilization equipment; maintains records; makes observations and reports animal health and conditions to the supervisor.


ULAR provides essential 24/7 services for the University of Pennsylvania. These positions are designated as "essential" and you are expected to work when normal campus operations are suspended (e.g.: inclement weather) or if there is an emergency impacting ULAR. In addition, you may be expected to work outside of your regular schedule during peak activity periods (e.g.: overtime, weekends). To the extent possible, managers will provide timely notice of modified work schedules.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities





+ Clean and sanitize animal cages and equipment using autoclave; clean animal rooms and support areas in the facility by operating mechanical cage washers and sanitation equipment.


+ Feed, water and change cages; report any health or environmental problems to supervisor; perform rodent euthanasia.


+ Receive and house animals.


+ Receive, store and handle feed, bedding and other animal care supplies.


+ Assist scientists in solving simple problems related to the animals; answer basic questions about the care of the animals; provide simple, on-site training such as how to pick up an animal, hold an animal and how to put on protective garb.


+ Document in writing that animal husbandry tasks have been completed; report problems such as machine malfunctions and animal illness, orally and/or in writing, to supervisor or veterinary staff.





Qualifications



+ Lab Animal Assist: High school diploma or equivalent and 0-1 year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.


+ Tech Assist Lab Animal: High school diploma plus either one of the following: (1) one year experience in a lab animal facility (animal care experience); or (2) AALAS certification at the ALAT level. Knowledge of proper handling and restraint techniques of laboratory animals is required or equivalent combination of education and experience.





All positions require: Ability to read, write and comprehend English. Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions. Ability to explain problems/issues/solutions. Must be service oriented and able to work as a team member. Able to repetitively lift 50 lbs. Ability to stand for long periods. Must pass pre-employment physical examination before starting work. Ability to work weekends/holidays/overtime as required. May be required to pass FBI background check. Computer skills a plus.




Targeted Salary Range:


$19.25 - $24.00/hour. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.






Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Provost's Center





Pay Range


Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.










Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.