Animal Welfare Scientist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
About MSM
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a place of distinction, serving as the nation's leading academic medical center for vulnerable populations. It's also a place for passionate individuals looking to join a dedicated community working today to help prepare tomorrow's leaders.
We exist to:
• Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities;
• Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce;
• Address primary health care through programs in education, research and service;
With emphasis on people of color and the under-served urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation and the world.
At Morehouse School of Medicine, we're leading the creation and advancement of health equity. You will find a fulfilling career at MSM!
Posting Number
NONAC3765
Job Title
Animal Health Technician
Position Title
Animal Health Technician
Position Type
Non-Faculty
Number of vacancies
1
Salary
Department
CLAR
Position Summary
Job Summary
The Animal Health Technician provides technical animal care and veterinary support to ensure the health, welfare, and humane treatment of laboratory animals used in biomedical research and teaching. Working under the direction of the Attending Veterinarian and Animal Resources leadership, the position performs routine health observations, assists with veterinary procedures, administer treatments, maintains animal health records, and supports regulatory compliance. The Animal Health Technician partners with researchers and animal care staff to maintain high standards of animal welfare while supporting the institution's research mission.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide daily care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, housing, environmental monitoring, sanitation, and species-appropriate enrichment.
• Conduct routine health and behavioral observations, recognize signs of illness, injury, pain, or distress, and promptly report concerns to veterinary staff.
• Safely handle, restrain, identify, weigh, and transport animals in accordance with approved procedures and animal welfare standards.
• Administer medications, vaccinations, treatments, and routine health procedures under the direction of veterinary staff.
• Assist with physical examinations, diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, sentinel health monitoring, and the collection of biological specimens, including blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples.
• Prepare animals, equipment, and procedure areas for medical and surgical procedures; assist with anesthesia induction and monitoring, perioperative care, recovery, and post-operative observation under veterinary supervision.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of animal health observations, treatments, medications, controlled substances, procedures, and research-related activities.
• Clean and disinfect animal housing areas, laboratory equipment, procedure rooms, and surgical spaces in accordance with sanitation and biosecurity requirements.
• Support emergency response and critical animal care activities as directed by veterinary or facility leadership.
• Provide guidance to research personnel on appropriate animal handling, care practices, procedural support, and animal welfare requirements.
• Perform all duties in compliance with approved research protocols, institutional policies, IACUC requirements, USDA regulations, AAALAC standards, and other applicable animal welfare guidelines.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, accreditation reviews, and corrective action activities related to animal care and facility operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of laboratory animal husbandry and animal welfare principles.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain laboratory animal species.
• Basic understanding of veterinary technical procedures.
• Strong observation and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated research environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Associate degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, Biology, or a related life science field; or an equivalent
combination of education and relevant experience.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in animal science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or related field.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), such as Assistant Laboratory Animal
Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), or ability to obtain certification within a specified period.
Experience:
• One to three years of experience providing animal care in a laboratory animal, veterinary, agricultural, or research
environment.
• Experience handling common laboratory animal species (rodents preferred).
• Working knowledge of animal husbandry, animal health monitoring, sanitation, and biosecurity practices.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience working in an AAALAC-accredited research facility.
• Familiarity with USDA Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,
and IACUC requirements.
Closing Date
11/20/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment in this role may be contingent upon extramural funding and successful performance and may be terminated or reduced in percentage of appointment if such funding is not secured or ceases to be available.
Quick Link
https://careers.msm.edu/postings/24409
EEO Statement Summary
Morehouse School of Medicine is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Georgia State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Morehouse School of Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
Job Duties