Research Support Technician, Animal Care Program

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

ID: 7109467 (Ref.No. 10017890)
Posted: October 20, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution.  AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities.  Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding.  We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Animal Care Supervisor, is responsible for the husbandry care of laboratory animals, including monitoring and reporting animal health status, providing feed and water, changing cages, environmental monitoring, documenting animal room activities, and sanitizing assigned animal holding rooms and support areas.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Observes all animals in assigned work area and reports any sick, injured or distressed animals to an Animal Health Technician or the Clinical Veterinarian.
  • Changes cages at scheduled intervals and whenever needed to support animal health and well being.  Ensures animals have adequate food and water at all times. 
  • Documents daily animal husbandry activities in a computerized database system.
  • Monitors and documents animal holding room environment.  Reports non-compliant environmental parameters and/or malfunctioning equipment to the Animal Care Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
  • Maintains animal holding rooms and assigned support areas in a clean and orderly state.
  • Sanitizes animal holding rooms and assigned support areas.
  • Performs weekly animal census accurately and reconciles discrepancies in a timely manner in accordance with DCM/ARC policies.
  • Performs rack changes and animal transfer station/biosafety cabinet maintenance as required.
  • Restrains animals for various technical procedures such as subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections.  May assist with diagnostic sample collection such as blood or feces collection.
  • Provides technical services to investigators including mixing and dispensing special diets, medicating drinking water, providing special housing requirements or assisting with specific restraint and handling procedures.
  • Humanely euthanizes animals as requested or required.
  • Performs other animal care related duties or facility maintenance as required.
  • Performs duties in accordance with DCM/ARC Standard Operating Procedures and City of Hope safety policies.
  • Participates in training sessions, staff meetings, and continuing education activities.
  • Interacts/establishes working relationships and communicates effectively and positively with research and Animal Resources Center staff. 
  • Attends meetings as required.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • High School or equivalent.

Preferred education, experience and skills:

  • No animal care experience required; however prior animal care or veterinary technician experience preferred.
  • Strong interest in laboratory animal research.
  • AALAS ALAT certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to complete routine husbandry and sanitation assignments.

Additional Information:

  • As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.



City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.