Associate Laboratory Technician

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Associate Laboratory Technician is responsible for provision of husbandry and technical procedures at the level of a specialty task expert; providing leadership in specialty task expert area including training; identifying and resolving moderately complex problems within specialty task area; and identifying and communicating programmatic improvements to management staff.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform animal husbandry duties including cleaning, feeding, and watering of laboratory animal species. Follow established policies, procedures, safety and infection control guidelines, including handling of chemical and biological hazards.
• Clean and maintain animal housing and support areas including stocking of supplies in assigned areas.
• Under general supervision, anticipate, coordinate and perform various specialized technical procedures as assigned (e.g., set up breeding pairs; check for plugs; wean, sex, and tail biopsy rodents; implement environmental enrichment program; collect biological samples; administer injections; receive and house new animal shipments).
• Perform semi-routine specialized technical procedures where a fair amount of judgment is required in identifying and resolving moderately complex problems. Under minimal supervision, anticipate, coordinate, manage and perform various specialized technical requests provided by research personnel.
• Observe animals in assigned work areas and report any sick, injured or distressed animals to the veterinary staff in a timely manner. Perform veterinary treatment in consultation with the veterinarian.
• Perform euthanasia as requested following AVMA and IACUC approved guidelines.
• Communicate observations to research personnel and OLAR staff in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and complete records (e.g., animal health reports, medical, breeding colony, and inventory records, husbandry and environmental enrichment logs, etc.). Assist in review of records created by junior staff members.
• Assist in review and revision of standard operating procedures within area of task expertise. Assist in creating new SOPs as requested.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment within assigned work area (e.g., ventilated racks, HEPA filtered workstations, and related equipment). Report malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner. Troubleshoot problems as appropriate.
• Participate in continuing education activities and assist in training new staff for AALAS certification.
• Practice a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic Qualifications

• ALAT certification.
• Must be able to successfully pass the required pre-employment medical clearance. Upon hire, must be willing and able to participate in an Occupational Health program that requires vaccinations (e.g., MMR) along with routine TB testing and other testing and vaccinations, as required by and at the discretion of the Institute.

Administrative Skills:

• Demonstrate competence in animal care and standard procedures in laboratory animal care.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective organizational skills.
• Maintain legible records and logs.
• Perform duties in accordance with department policies/procedures.
• Proficiency with the following equipment: Autoclave, Bottle Filler, Flexible film isolators, HEPA filtered workstation, HEPA filtered rodent housing system.
• Proficiency with basic computer functions (Outlook, SharePoint, Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Serve as subject expert in assigned area of responsibility and consistently demonstrate thorough understanding of standard operating procedures.
• Maintain rodent breeding colonies with minimal input from others.

Working Conditions:               

• Frequent bending, reaching, climbing, lifting, pushing.
• Handling biohazard and cytotoxic materials.
• Use of personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands:                  

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position.
• Walking: Moving about on foot.
• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another.
• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually by hand, arm or shoulder.
• Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object is moved away.
• Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that it is moving to the person.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending objects usually with hands/feet.
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling over.
• Stooping: Bending the body by bending the spine at the waist.
• Kneeling: Bending legs to come to rest on one or both knees.
• Reaching: Extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, or otherwise working with hand(s).
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds by the ear.
• Eye/hand/foot coordination: Performing work through using two or more.

Physical Strength:                   

• Frequent lifting/carrying of objects up to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements:              

• Near Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Accommodation: ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus.
• Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors.

Environmental Conditions:  

• Atmospheric conditions that affect skin or respiratory system.
• Likely exposure to animal dander, diseases, odors and bites.
• Likely exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals. 

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in related subject or RVT certification + 2.5 years of related experience.

Required Documents

• Resume