Research Animal Technician - CAF

Department: Campus Animal FacilitiesPosition covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120 Temporary full-time from 10/01/2026 to 03/31/2027 Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) General Purpose Reporting to the Supervisor, Campus Animal Facilities, the Research Animal Technician will be part of a client-focused team of skilled laboratory animal technicians supporting a variety of research species within the Central Animal Facility. Duties and Responsibilities The role emphasizes the care and management of genetically modified mouse breeding colonies and rodents used in neuroscience research. Other species may include dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Responsibilities include providing technical support and mentorship to research teams in procedures such as gavage, blood collection, injections, anesthesia, surgery, euthanasia, tissue collection, and humane intervention assessments. The technician will also train new staff, graduate students, and undergraduates in animal care, handling, restraint, and colony management. Maintaining accurate medical records and clear communication with research teams is essential to ensuring high standards of animal health and welfare. The position also contributes to facility biosecurity through cage wash operations, chemical inventory and ordering, and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets. The technician will provide workplace-specific chemical training to staff and may be assigned duties in other campus facilities, including the Isolation Facility/Production Animal Isolation Unit. Other Key Responsibilities: Monitor animal health and provide humane interventions to ensure physical and psychological wellbeing. Maintain and update departmental standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with Animal Utilization Protocols, Biosafety permits, and relevant legislation. Provide oversight and guidance to part-time employees and volunteers. Clean, disinfect and maintenance of animal housing rooms. Receiving of rodents to the facility. Data entry for tracking animal census. Requirements Completion of a Veterinary Technician diploma (two years of community college) plus one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred. Knowledge of research methodologies, animal care standards, and emerging technologies. Experience with facility equipment (cage washers, autoclaves, biological safety cabinets, ventilated cages, anesthetic machines). Understanding of anesthetic techniques for laboratory animals. Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines, the Animals for Research Act, Canadian Biosafety Standards, and Ontario Health and Safety Act. Familiarity with disease transmission, containment, sterilization, and handling of Level 2 pathogens. Tissue collection skills considered an asset. Strong mechanical aptitude. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and strong computer skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time-management skills. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think analytically and creatively. Ability to work independently and collaboratively while prioritizing multiple tasks. Valid G driver’s license. Additional Information Position requires availability to rotate through other campus facilities and provide essential animal care during closures (e.g., inclement weather). Some weekend or shift work may be required (37.5 hours/week). Work involves exposure to odours, allergens, noise, dust, frequent lifting, restraint of large animals, and a wide range of physical activity. Protective rabies titre required. Employee Type: Temporary covering regular incumbentPosition Number: 10920046 Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 7 USW Local 4120 Wage Grid At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. Posting Date: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 08/31/2026

The Research Animal Technician provides technical support and care for various research species, including managing genetically modified mouse breeding colonies. The role also involves training staff and students, maintaining medical records, and ensuring facility biosecurity and compliance with animal welfare protocols.

Candidates must hold a Veterinary Technician diploma and have at least one year of relevant experience. Proficiency in laboratory animal procedures, knowledge of regulatory guidelines, and a valid G driver's license are required.

• Professional development • Mentorship opportunities • Chemical safety training

• Problem solvingPreferred
• Microsoft OfficePreferred
• Data entryPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Animal care
• Laboratory animal handling
• Colony management
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Euthanasia
• Blood collection
• Gavage
• Medical record keeping
• Biosecurity
• Chemical inventory management
• Standard operating procedures
• Data entry
• Mechanical aptitude
• Microsoft Office
• Problem-solving
• Transgenic Mice
• Biological Safety Cabinet
• Large Animal Care
• Disinfecting
• Animal Care
• Analytical Thinking
• Animal Health
• Emerging Technologies
• Valid Driver's License
• Shift Work
• Research
• Blood Donation Drives
• Management
• Medical Records
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Computer Literacy
• Data Entry
• Sterilization
• Standard Operating Procedure
• Intravenous Therapy
• Psychology
• Interpersonal Communications
• Isolation Ward
• Problem Solving
• Material Safety Data Sheet
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Mentorship
• Research Methodologies
• Operations
• Poultry
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
• Time Management
• Certified Veterinary Technician

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Education
• Animal Research Technician
• Veterinary Technician / Technologist
• Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

0+ years

Apply by

Sep 1, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

38 hours per week