Lab Technician - Temporary/Part-time

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Job Title: Lab Technician (Temporary/Part-Time)
Department: Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC)
Location: Brigham Young University (BYU)

Position Overview:

The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) is seeking a Temporary/Part-Time Lab Technician to support the monitoring and maintenance of vivarium facilities. This position will focus on ensuring that the care and housing of laboratory animals meet the highest standards of welfare and comply with university, federal, and ethical guidelines. The Lab Technician will work under the direction of the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to provide essential assistance in animal care, research facilitation, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in animal care and research and will play a key role in ensuring that faculty and students can carry out research effectively in a regulated, compliant environment.

What you will be doing in this position:

• Animal Care & Husbandry: Assist in the daily care and housing of laboratory animals, including feeding, cleaning, health observations, and monitoring quarantine periods.

• Compliance & Regulations: Maintain a working knowledge of federal and university animal care regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act, NIH Guidelines, and AVMA Euthanasia Guidelines. Assist in ensuring adherence to IACUC-approved protocols and report any non-compliance.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Assist in updating and reviewing SOPs related to animal care and vivarium operations. Help in maintaining the standards required by the Vivarium Advisory Board.

• Breeding Program Management: Assist in monitoring and training staff, students, and faculty on animal breeding schemes, including timed breeding, fostering, and harem breeding techniques. Ensure adherence to IACUC-approved breeding protocols.

• Inventory & Supply Management: Forecast, order, and manage inventory of animal care supplies, including feed, bedding, and equipment. Work with the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to ensure cost-effective purchasing and accurate record-keeping.

• Animal Arrival & Record Management: Assist in receiving new animals, ensuring proper placement and care according to active protocols, and maintaining accurate records of all animal purchases in electronic systems.

• Training & Supervision: Train and oversee staff, students, and animal care workers in the proper handling and care of animals, including cleaning, maintenance, and animal health interventions. Fill in as needed to ensure continuity of care during absences, including weekends and holidays.

• Health & Safety: Monitor animal health and assist in interventions such as parasite screenings, medication administration, and surgical procedures. Escalate health concerns to the veterinarian as necessary.

• Facility Maintenance & Compliance: Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of vivarium facilities to meet government and IACUC inspection requirements. Assist with identifying equipment needs and facilitate necessary repairs and upgrades.

• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with Principal Investigators and other stakeholders to ensure that research and animal care needs are met in accordance with federal and university standards. Help maintain positive relationships while ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Program Improvement & Evaluation: Collaborate with the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to evaluate and improve animal care programs, ensuring compliance with guidelines and improving research support.

• Training Development: Assist in the development and management of vivarium-specific training courses via BYU’s Training.byu.edu platform.

What qualifies you for this role:

• Education & Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A background in biology, animal science, or related fields is preferred. Experience working with laboratory animals or in a research environment is a plus.

• Knowledge & Skills:

  • Knowledge of federal animal welfare regulations and ethical guidelines (e.g., USDA Animal Welfare Act, NIH Guidelines).

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

  • Familiarity with animal breeding techniques and vivarium management is desirable.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform physical tasks associated with animal care, including lifting and moving animal cages, cleaning vivarium facilities, and handling animals.

Working Conditions:

• This is a temporary, part-time position with flexible hours.

• Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required to ensure continuity of care and compliance.

• The role will require working with animals and in vivarium environments that may involve exposure to biological agents and animal-related allergens.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the position.

What we offer in return:

This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Access to the library
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA pass
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 46

Typical Starting Pay: $16.50-$21.00

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!