Research Technician

Job Title: Research TechnicianJob Description

This role supports a new rodent-only animal research facility by providing high-quality laboratory animal care and technical support. The Research Technician performs daily animal husbandry, monitors rodent health, operates specialized equipment, and assists with technical procedures, all while strictly following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and complying with local, state, federal, and institutional guidelines. The position also requires basic computer skills for accurate, computerized record keeping and coordination with research teams to support ongoing studies.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and husbandry for mice and rats, including cleaning and changing cages, feeding, watering, observing animals, and documenting activities in strict accordance with established SOPs.
• Administer special diets, medications, and medicated water to rodents as required by study protocols and veterinary direction.
• Ensure that all animal housing environments comply with applicable federal regulations, guidelines, and institutional standards.
• Maintain animal rooms and other facility areas according to accepted sanitation standards, including washing walls, floors, equipment, and other surfaces.
• Monitor rodent colonies for sick, injured, or deceased animals, and promptly record and report findings in accordance with SOPs and study protocols.
• Operate and maintain laboratory animal husbandry equipment, including laminar flow work benches, ventilated racks, autoclaves, and cage wash equipment.
• Perform technical duties such as medical and experimental procedures on rodents, including weaning and euthanasia, following all ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, including room logs, health reports, autoclave records, and other required documentation, using computerized data collection systems for cage census and health monitoring.
• Stock and organize supplies to ensure continuous availability of materials needed for animal care and facility operations.
• Clean and maintain exam rooms and associated equipment to support a safe and efficient working environment.
• Collaborate with Research and Early Development teams to support proof-of-concept studies and capsid engineering discovery studies involving rodent models.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support overall facility operations and research needs.
• Work a schedule that includes weekends and some holidays, with hours that may vary from week to week to meet operational requirements.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED certification is required.
• Experience caring for rodents in a research institution or related environment is strongly valued, with four years of experience noted as a significant asset for candidates without higher education.
• Alternatively, certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Technician Certification Program with at least two years of experience caring for animals in a veterinary clinic, research institution, or related environment.
• Alternatively, a bachelor"s degree in Animal Science, Biological Science, or a related field may be considered with no prior experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education may be considered, subject to approval by Human Resources.
• At least one year of experience in animal care or a related field is preferred, although motivated candidates without experience will be considered.
• Proficiency with injection techniques, including subcutaneous (SQ) and intravenous (IV) injections.
• Proficiency in necropsy and dissection techniques on rodent models.
• Basic computer skills for computerized record keeping, including animal holding room census data collection and electronic logs.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions and adhere strictly to SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory animal husbandry equipment such as laminar flow work benches, ventilated racks, autoclaves, and cage wash systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AALAS technician certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) level is preferred but not required.
• Any life science or bioengineering degree is considered beneficial, particularly when combined with vivarium or laboratory animal experience.
• Any prior vivarium experience, including work in animal facilities, research institutions, or veterinary settings, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, including room logs, health reports, and equipment records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify changes in animal health or behavior.
• Comfort working with rodents and performing hands-on procedures in a research environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and some holidays.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Research and Early Development groups.
• Capacity to learn and adapt to new processes, procedures, and ways of working in a growing, agile research environment.

Work Environment

The role involves sitting or standing for extended periods and performing tasks that may require lifting up to 30 pounds. The work takes place in a climate-controlled facility with room temperatures typically between 15-30°C. The technician must be able to focus on executing tasks under both verbal and written instructions, distinguish colors, use fine motor skills and sensory touch, and hear and read procedures while working. The position involves working with chemicals and biologics, always under appropriate protective measures and ventilation systems. The facility uses specialized laboratory animal equipment, including laminar flow work benches, ventilated racks, autoclaves, and cage wash equipment, as well as computerized systems for data collection and record keeping. Work schedules include weekends and some holidays, with hours that may vary to support continuous animal care and research operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of ROCKVILLE, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in ROCKVILLE,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.