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Mouse Colony Manager Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Mouse Colony Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mouse colony manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mouse Colony Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory animal science, animal husbandry, and genetics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a biological science and relevant certifications like AALAS. Familiarity with animal facility management systems, genotyping techniques, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and coordinating with research teams. These abilities are crucial for maintaining healthy colonies, supporting research integrity, and meeting regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by mouse colony managers, and how can they be addressed?

Mouse Colony Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining accurate breeding records, preventing genetic drift, and ensuring animal welfare standards are met. Managing a large number of strains and coordinating with research teams requires strong organizational skills and clear communication. Implementing standardized protocols and utilizing colony management software can greatly reduce errors and streamline operations. Regular training and staying updated on best practices also help address these challenges effectively.

What does a mouse colony manager do?

A Mouse Colony Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, breeding, and record-keeping of laboratory mouse colonies used in research. Their duties include monitoring mouse health and welfare, maintaining accurate breeding records, and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. They work closely with researchers to provide specific mouse strains and manage genetic lines, while also coordinating with veterinary staff to address any health concerns. This role is essential for supporting scientific studies that rely on laboratory mice.

What is the difference between Mouse Colony Manager vs Laboratory Animal Technician?

AspectMouse Colony ManagerLaboratory Animal Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in biology or related field; certifications in animal care are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications in animal handling are preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees breeding and colony management in research facilitiesPerforms daily animal care and maintenance in laboratory settings
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech companies, universitiesResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions

The Mouse Colony Manager focuses on maintaining and breeding mouse colonies for research, requiring specialized knowledge and oversight. In contrast, the Laboratory Animal Technician handles daily animal care and support tasks. Both roles are essential in research environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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Infographic showing various Mouse Colony Manager job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

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Job description

Department Overview

The Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology comprises a cadre of interactive and interdisciplinary faculty with diverse expertise. Our faculty are active in the scientific community and within OHSU, serving on NIH study sections, as editors for prestigious journals, and as members on university committees and councils.

The overall mission of our department involves research and education, while bringing together basic and translational efforts through close collaborations with the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, the Oregon National Primate Research Center, and the VA Portland Health Care System as well as Providence Portland Medical Center.

Individuals hired into this role are permitted to apply and participate in OHSU PROPEL, a 1-2-year workforce training program aimed at broadening access to careers in biomedical research. OHSU PROPEL provides professional development to Research Assistants who are intent on earning their doctoral degree as part of their long-term career goals. Program activities include attendance at scientific seminars, journal clubs, short courses, meetings with research and career mentors, and completing milestones (e.g., submitting graduate program applications, designing a research poster, and delivering an oral presentation, etc.). Involvement in the program aims to enhance scientific identity formation and empower scholars to effectively navigate their career transitions.

Function/Duties of Position

A position is open for a Research Assistant in the lab of Dr. Rauch in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at OHSU. Research efforts in our labs are focused on understanding immune mechanisms of the intestinal epithelium in response to bacterial pathogens. We are looking to hire a researcher to assist in research, ordering, laboratory and animal colony management. 

  • Maintain animal colonies (set up breeders, wean litters, euthanize animals, genotype, update database, communicate with lab members about problems).
  • Lab management (ordering, dish washing, autoclaving, inventory).
  • Assistance in the labs research projects (perform tissue culture or mouse experiments).
  • Other duties as assigned.

If selected, participate in OHSU PROPEL activities (no more than 5 hours/week), including seminars, short courses, and mentor meetings, to enhance research experience and career development. Apply program insights to research tasks and career planning, meeting key milestones that demonstrate proactive engagement and support professional growth.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in relevant field; OR

  • Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR

  • 4 years of relevant experience; OR

  • Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

  • Wet lab experience, PCR.

  • Rodent handling.

  • Tissue culture experience.

  • Proficiency with standard office software.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in the Biological Sciences with classes in Immunology and Microbiology.
  • 2 or more years of relevant experience in microbiology or immunology research.
  • Experience with animal colony management.

  • Proficiency with molecular biology techniques.

  • Organoid culture experience.

  • Fluorescent microscopy experience.

  • Previous contribution to scientific publication(s).
Additional Details

Work is generally 40 hours per week, but may be more or less from week to week. Work is primarily during normal working hours, but evening and weekend work is often necessary to take care of mice involved in time-sensitive experiments.

Additional safety training is required to work with cell lines in a BSL-2 environment. Working with laboratory animals is a requirement of this position.

Personnel will need to work at lab benches, desks and/or microscopes for up to 4 hours at a time. Ability to perform repetitive lab manipulations (gripping, grasping, reaching, twisting), move lab equipment and animal cages under 25 lbs, perform PCR. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required. (Gloves, mask/respirator, eyewear, lab coat, etc).

Benefits 

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887