Job Description
Job Description Vivarium Technical Specialist
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Vivarium Technical Specialist I for a contract-to-hire position at a cutting-edge client in La Jolla, CA. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
Pay: $26.44-32.69/hour
Schedule: Mon-Fri 6am-2:30pm
Overview
This client is an industry-leading company that’s leading the way in immunology and disease research. As a Vivarium Technical Specialist I, you will be supporting laboratory animal colonies and research programs, contributing to scientific advancement while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, compliance, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor animal health and well-being, document observations, and assist with follow-up care and treatments
- Collect, process, and submit biological samples for diagnostic testing and health surveillance programs
- Perform animal euthanasia in accordance with AVMA guidelines and institutional protocols
- Conduct necropsies and communicate findings to research and veterinary personnel
- Manage rodent breeding colonies, including breeder setup, weaning, identification, census maintenance, and recordkeeping
- Maintain accurate colony records and databases to support research objectives and regulatory compliance
- Assist investigators with troubleshooting breeding performance and colony-related issues
- Perform specialized animal procedures including handling, restraint, injections, dosing, blood collection, tissue collection, and other approved techniques
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized vivarium equipment and technical resources
- Maintain accurate written and electronic records in accordance with SOPs and regulatory requirements
- Ensure compliance with USDA, NIH, AAALAC, IACUC, and institutional standards
- Collaborate with researchers, veterinary, and animal care staff to support scientific programs
- Provide coverage for Vivarium Technician duties as needed and participate in training activities and continuous improvement initiatives
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- AALAS certification at the ALAT level required; LAT certification preferred
- 3+ years of laboratory animal experience, including technical procedures and colony management required
- Experience working with rodent breeding colonies and health monitoring programs
- Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to interact professionally with scientific staff
- Knowledge of laboratory animal husbandry, animal welfare regulations, and vivarium operations
- Proficiency in animal handling, restraint, injections, sample collection, and euthanasia techniques
- Experience with colony management software and electronic recordkeeping systems
- Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds, stand, walk, bend, crouch, reach, push, and pull for extended periods
- Ability to move carts and equipment weighing up to 300 pounds
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment for prolonged periods
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, dust, odors, and biological materials
- Occasional overtime, weekends, holidays, and after-hours work required
What happens next:
Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless
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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.
About Kelly
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