ANIMAL LABORATORY SPECIALIST I
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value associated with a role in a reputable research institution, good salary range, and potential for career progression in a scientific field.
- Role with professional growth potential in a leading research institution
- Engagement in important animal care practices and research
- Supporting a rigorous laboratory environment that values integrity
Pros
- Engagement in specialized animal care within a prestigious research university
- Opportunity for professional development and networking in academia
- Structured environment with emphasis on research integrity
Cons
- Requires significant technical expertise and laboratory protocols
- Possibility of unconventional hours due to research demands
- May involve more administrative work than direct animal care
Who it's for
Entry to Mid-level • Onsite
Good fit
- Animal science graduates or technicians
- Individuals eager to work in research settings
- Candidates with a strong interest in laboratory animal care
Not recommended for
- Those resistant to working in highly regulated environments
- Candidates seeking purely field-based animal care roles
- Individuals uninterested in scientific research
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Description
ANIMAL LABORATORY SPECIALIST I
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
General Responsibilities:
Specialized position performing duties essential to operation of unique and specialized areas within the Animal Resources Program (ARP). Work within a specialized or technical team including, but not limited to, any one of the following: gnotobiotic, "yellow" room husbandry, zebrafish/aquatics, biocontainment, rodent animal health, enrichment, training, cage wash, quarantine, comparative pathology laboratory, and special projects. Provides animal care and operational support consistent with requirements and established guidelines for the program as a whole and the specified specialty area. Including, depending on the assigned specialty area, but not limited to, the operation and/or upkeep and general maintenance of equipment or systems; performing physical assessments on rodents, recognizing signs of illness, and reporting and logging findings; assisting with the operation of the campus wide health surveillance program, including filing and organizing records; conducting husbandry with specialized species or environments such as gnotobiotics, "yellow" room husbandry, zebrafish/aquatics, quarantine, and biocontainment. Requires some weekend and holiday duty. May require duty as essential personnel in the event of bad weather, natural disasters, etc. Must strive to always adhere to ARP values, Communication, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, and Trust.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Applies general knowledge of animal biology, husbandry, and animal facility operations to the function of a specialized division of ARP in accordance with requirements and established procedures. Management of species could vary dependent upon specialized group, but may include working with species within aquatic tanks, isolators, containment, quarantine, etc. and/or support equipment/operations.
2. Maintains knowledge of any training general requirements set forth within ARP and/or related to the specialized area.
3. Serves as specialized area contact and as a resource for any and all staff and guests.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.
Pay Range:
$15.50 – $25.20
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
High School diploma or GED and one (1) year of related experience required.
Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:
Certified at any level by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) preferred.
