Animal Care Associate/Technologist

Job Title: Animal Care Associate/Technologist

Location: Wilmington, MA 01887
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Duration: 6 Months with potential permanent opportunity
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1st Shift (No weekends required)
Pay Rate: $18–$21.25/hr.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an Animal Care Associate / Animal Care Technologist to support research animal care operations. This role is responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of laboratory animals while following established animal welfare standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety guidelines.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a career in life sciences. Training will be provided for entry-level candidates, while experienced candidates will support advanced animal care, colony management, and technical procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain the health and quality of research animals by providing food, water, bedding, and environmental enrichment.
• Perform daily animal care activities, including cleaning animal housing areas and maintaining proper environmental conditions.
• Receive, inspect, and properly handle incoming animals and supplies.
• Perform health observations and identify signs of illness, abnormalities, or changes in animal behavior.
• Support mouse and rat colony maintenance, including breeding activities, weaning, sexing, transfers, and animal identification.
• Handle rodents (mice and rats) for routine procedures, including restraint, sample collection, tagging, and health monitoring.
• Assist with technical procedures such as genetic sampling, blood collection, injections, and sample processing (based on training and experience).
• Maintain accurate records and complete required data entry using colony management systems and computer applications.
• Follow all SOPs, animal welfare regulations, biosecurity procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas while adhering to EHS and ergonomic procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and support training/knowledge sharing as experience develops.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, special projects, and operational activities.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 6 months of general work experience required.
• Ability to work onsite in Wilmington, MA.
• Comfortable working with laboratory animals.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry.
  

Education & Experience:

Candidates may qualify through one of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A./B.S.) with 0–1 years of related experience.
• Associate Degree (A.A./A.S.) with 1–2 years of related experience.
• High School Diploma/GED with 2–4 years of related experience.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with laboratory animals, especially mice and rats.
• Experience with animal husbandry, colony management, breeding, or sample collection.
• Experience working in a research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or laboratory environment.
• AALAS certification (ALAT preferred).
• Experience with colony management systems or laboratory databases.