Technical Specialist

Position Summary

The Technical Specialist supports animal care operations and in vivo potency/safety testing in a regulated research/manufacturing environment. This role maintains a safe, clean, and compliant setting for animals and colleagues while executing assigned testing procedures, collecting and verifying data, and supporting investigations and continuous improvement. The position collaborates with research, veterinary, manufacturing, central services, and quality partners. Schedule may include overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Position Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of daily animal care across assigned areas/species (e.g., livestock, companion animals, rodents).
• Document observations, escalate health/welfare concerns, and implement corrective actions per protocols.
• Perform animal welfare–related actions in alignment with approved procedures.
• Support animal procurement and disposition activities as directed.
• Perform routine laboratory animal testing to support product release and manufacturing investigations.
• Execute and support in vivo procedures using aseptic technique and established methods, including:
• injections/inoculations/vaccinations (e.g., IM, SQ, IP, ICr, IV) treatments (e.g., IM, SQ, oral, IV, topical) blood collection/phlebotomy and sample collection by approved routes challenge techniques and post-challenge observations
• Conduct test set-up and ensure readiness of materials, reagents, and supplies.
• Collect data accurately; perform data audits, verification, and validation; complete required calculations.
• Troubleshoot assays/processes and support test method investigations and process improvements.
• Assist with and/or perform experiments (e.g., research and 3Rs initiatives) as assigned.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant animal rooms, laboratories, and support areas.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitizing, and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate relevant equipment; troubleshoot routine equipment issues.
• Monitor and replenish inventory for husbandry, facility operations, and testing.
• Follow and support biosafety/biosecurity practices to meet internal and external standards.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records in accordance with SOPs, GMPs (as applicable), and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain required documentation for animal procedures and testing (e.g., ACUPs, LIMS, SOPs).
• Participate in internal audits/inspections as requested.
• Interact effectively with internal customers and partners (e.g., Manufacturing, Central Services, Quality Assurance, Research/Veterinary).
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and attention to detail in data handling and decision-making.
• Review departmental SOPs and contribute to updates and training as needed.

Education & Experience

Minimum

Education

• High school diploma (or equivalent).

Experience

• 0–4 years in vivo laboratory experience and/or animal care experience (combination of education and experience considered).

Preferred:

• AALAS certification (e.g., LAT) and/or 2- or 4-year degree in a science-based field.

• Working knowledge of applicable animal welfare and regulatory expectations (e.g., USDA, FDA, international requirements).

• Prior experience in an in vivo research setting.

• Quality control experience in an industry environment is a plus.

• Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in safe animal handling/restraint, aseptic technique, vaccinations, phlebotomy, and sample collection.

• Strong documentation discipline and comfort working with computer-based systems (Windows-based applications; LIMS experience helpful).

• Solid math skills (basic calculations; familiarity with mean/standard deviation is beneficial).

• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail; ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.

• Team-oriented, collaborative communicator; able to provide direction/training to others and serve as a technical resource.

• Practical problem-solving; ability to make appropriate decisions with limited supervision.

• Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to alternate between standing and seated work; frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, and stooping.

• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to work in environments with temperature variation, odors/dust, noise, and typical animal facility exposures (e.g., potential bites/scratches).

• PPE required as appropriate (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, dust mask, apron/gloves/face shield when handling chemicals/cleaning agents).

• Immunizations may be required.

• Some work may be performed outdoors as needed by facility operations.