Department: Campus Animal Facilities

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

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 solid 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.

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: Regular

Position Number: 10095006

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: 08/17/2026

Closing Date: 08/24/2026

📌 Research Animal Technician - CAF (Guelph, ON, CA,G 2
🏢 Perimeter Institute
📍 Guelph