
FWS Summer 2026, Biology Lab Technician
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
Job Summary
The Mouse Colony Husbandry Technician is responsible for daily care and monitoring of laboratory mice. Key duties include performing health checks, feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and ensuring accurate cage labeling. Technicians are expected to monitor breeding progress, wean pups at the appropriate age, and maintain proper hygiene and biosecurity standards. Weekly tasks include full cage changes, equipment checks, supply inventory, and data entry. Any signs of illness, injury, or equipment failure must be reported immediately. Proper use of PPE and adherence to facility protocols is essential to ensure animal welfare and a safe working environment.
Physical Requirements
Physical stamina capable of lifting cages, standing for long periods, and lifting / carrying 40lb.
Shift
Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Weekends: Must be able to work 3 hours each shift.
Qualifications & Experience
Comfortable handling mice, including restraint, sexing, and weaning.
Attention to detail: Ability to notice subtle changes in animal health, behavior, or environment.
Knowledge of Laboratory Animal Care: Familiarity with IACUC guidelines, animal welfare standards, and basic husbandry procedures.
Experience documenting health observations, breeding records, and inventory in physical or digital systems.
Time management: Ability to follow daily and weekly routines efficiently while meeting care standards.
Cleanliness & organization: Maintains a clean work environment and follows sanitation protocols carefully.
Teamwork & communication: Works well with research and animal care staff; communicates issues clearly and promptly.
Problem‑solving skills: Able to troubleshoot issues with caging, equipment, or animal behavior under guidance.
Physical stamina: Capable of lifting cages, standing for long periods, and working in PPE in controlled environments.
Deadline to Apply
08/07/2026
Our University Community
We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
* Have you been awarded Federal Work Study?
(If you are unsure, or you have not yet been awarded Federal Work Study, please contact the Student Financial Aid office at (859) 257‑3172 and ask to speak with your counselor.)
Yes
No
* Please state your current 8‑digit UKID number and LinkBlue ID
(Open Ended Question)
* Kentucky state law requires anyone who works after 10:30 p.m. on school nights (Sunday - Thursday), and after 1:00 a.m. on non‑school nights (Friday - Sunday), to be 18+ years of age. Are you over the age of 18 or will you be 18 before August 1st of the fall semester or January 1st for the spring term (or before employment)?
Yes
No
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The Mouse Colony Husbandry Technician is responsible for daily care and monitoring of laboratory mice. Key duties include performing health checks, feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and ensuring accurate cage labeling. Technicians are expected to monitor breeding progress, wean pups at the appropriate age, and maintain proper hygiene and biosecurity standards. Weekly tasks include full cage changes, equipment checks, supply inventory, and data entry. Any signs of illness, injury, or equipment failure must be reported immediately. Proper use of PPE and adherence to facility protocols is essential to ensure animal welfare and a safe working environment.
Physical Requirements
Physical stamina capable of lifting cages, standing for long periods, and lifting / carrying 40lb.
Shift
Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Weekends: Must be able to work 3 hours each shift.
Qualifications & Experience
Comfortable handling mice, including restraint, sexing, and weaning.
Attention to detail: Ability to notice subtle changes in animal health, behavior, or environment.
Knowledge of Laboratory Animal Care: Familiarity with IACUC guidelines, animal welfare standards, and basic husbandry procedures.
Experience documenting health observations, breeding records, and inventory in physical or digital systems.
Time management: Ability to follow daily and weekly routines efficiently while meeting care standards.
Cleanliness & organization: Maintains a clean work environment and follows sanitation protocols carefully.
Teamwork & communication: Works well with research and animal care staff; communicates issues clearly and promptly.
Problem‑solving skills: Able to troubleshoot issues with caging, equipment, or animal behavior under guidance.
Physical stamina: Capable of lifting cages, standing for long periods, and working in PPE in controlled environments.
Deadline to Apply
08/07/2026
Our University Community
We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
* Have you been awarded Federal Work Study?
(If you are unsure, or you have not yet been awarded Federal Work Study, please contact the Student Financial Aid office at (859) 257‑3172 and ask to speak with your counselor.)
Yes
No
* Please state your current 8‑digit UKID number and LinkBlue ID
(Open Ended Question)
* Kentucky state law requires anyone who works after 10:30 p.m. on school nights (Sunday - Thursday), and after 1:00 a.m. on non‑school nights (Friday - Sunday), to be 18+ years of age. Are you over the age of 18 or will you be 18 before August 1st of the fall semester or January 1st for the spring term (or before employment)?
Yes
No
#J-18808-Ljbffr