Animal Technician

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 the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under direction of the head of the fish facility, this position is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of zebrafish in a research environment in accordance with all applicable laws and regulatory guidelines. The Animal Technician will maintain health and well-being of laboratory zebrafish by providing a stable, sanitized environment with quality food and water and husbandry practices. The position also involves potential exposure to BSL1 & BSL2 chemicals, but PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and training will be administered and expected to be followed to ensure the safety of the technician and compliance with the required safety and animal husbandry protocols. This position will require standing and bending for extended periods of time and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Perform and record daily animal health observations, communicate any adverse findings to the manager, and complete required documentation. Technician will maintain clean, orderly and sanitized work areas - identifying any problems and notifying aquatics facility manager, perform daily room checks for environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, lighting, pH), perform and record all water chemistry testing, and complete required area documentation. Technician will monitor equipment for proper operation and complete appropriate documentation. Additionally, technician will oversee invertebrate cultures for feeding various developmental stages, monitor supplies and communicate supply needs to manager in timely manner. Under supervision, technician may assist in room training. May assist with experiments conducted in the lab, which include spawning animals, genotyping and data analysis. Some holiday and weekend coverage will be required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

At least six months experience in animal care or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

BA/BS or College background in Biology is strongly preferred as is one year of animal (ideally zebrafish) care/husbandry work experience. The job responsibilities require the analytical skills to gather and interpret data in situations in which the information or problems are relatively routine. The successful candidate must be a highly motivated, detail oriented, responsible individual with strong organizational skills and work ethic.

Additional Information

- Appointment End Date:  This is a one year position with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of continued funding.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

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 048. 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.