Laboratory Technician (Levels 1‑3) – Research Animal Vivarium

About the role

The Laboratory Technician positions support the daily operation of a research animal vivarium at LSU Veterinary Medicine. Technicians at levels 1‑3 perform husbandry, bio‑hazard handling, breeding colony management, and equipment maintenance to ensure a safe and compliant environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide daily animal husbandry care, including feeding, watering, and health monitoring.
• Handle bio‑hazards in BSL‑1, BSL‑2, and for level 2/3 positions, BSL‑3 animal rooms, following SOPs.
• Maintain breeding colonies, manage quarantine areas, and document animal records.
• Operate and maintain cage washing machines, autoclaves, and CO₂/oxygen cylinder systems.
• Perform euthanasia procedures and sterilize surgical instruments as required.

Required profile

• Two years of general laboratory experience or an accredited clinical laboratory program (Level 1).
• One year of laboratory technician experience or relevant degree (Level 2).
• Relevant degree or certification for Level 3, with ability to assume supervisory duties.
• Knowledge of animal procurement, biosecurity, and cross‑fostering programs.

Required skills

• BSL‑1, BSL‑2 (and BSL‑3 for higher levels) bio‑hazard handling.
• Autoclave and cage‑washing equipment operation.
• CO₂ and oxygen cylinder installation and maintenance.
• Animal husbandry, breeding colony setup, and health monitoring.
• Euthanasia and surgical instrument sterilization procedures.