OPT Animal Care Technician Jobs
Animal Care Technician jobs on OPT are available at research universities, veterinary clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and animal shelters. Most roles align with biology, animal science, or veterinary technology degrees. Your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility will matter to employers, so have those details ready.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists/performs survival surgery on non-human primates and/or rodents with relative independence under the supervision of the relevant Principal Investigators.
Performs protocol sample collections of blood, body fluids and tissue and processes for histology, nucleic acid procurement and serologic tests.
Performs protocol related medication dosing, biopsies, and diagnostic studies for non-human primates and/or rodents.
Maintains animal records in keeping with applicable IACUC requirements and supervises the record keeping of research specialists and students.
Maintains a record of all procedures, animal use, protocol compliance and integrity of the animal database.
Coordinates animal procurement and procedures, acting as liaison between Emory University, NIDDK and other agencies.
Develops novel techniques/procedures to support needs arising from investigators.
Consults with Veterinarians/Veterinary Technicians and other lab personnel. Performs related responsibilities as required.
Additionally, the individual will perform complex research duties and has documented scientific achievements and increased technical, management, leadership, and professional expertise necessary to advance translational and/or basic research programs. Demonstrate increased responsibility through management of teams and leadership of scientific projects by applying advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development, as well as facilitating some training aspects for other team members. Oversee quality assurance of research conducted by other team members. May assist in grant and other funding applications as necessary and appropriate, or, with approval of the responsible faculty director, have their own research project.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in medical technology or a biological, chemical or physical science and five years of related laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists/performs survival surgery on non-human primates and/or rodents with relative independence under the supervision of the relevant Principal Investigators.
Performs protocol sample collections of blood, body fluids and tissue and processes for histology, nucleic acid procurement and serologic tests.
Performs protocol related medication dosing, biopsies, and diagnostic studies for non-human primates and/or rodents.
Maintains animal records in keeping with applicable IACUC requirements and supervises the record keeping of research specialists and students.
Maintains a record of all procedures, animal use, protocol compliance and integrity of the animal database.
Coordinates animal procurement and procedures, acting as liaison between Emory University, NIDDK and other agencies.
Develops novel techniques/procedures to support needs arising from investigators.
Consults with Veterinarians/Veterinary Technicians and other lab personnel. Performs related responsibilities as required.
Additionally, the individual will perform complex research duties and has documented scientific achievements and increased technical, management, leadership, and professional expertise necessary to advance translational and/or basic research programs. Demonstrate increased responsibility through management of teams and leadership of scientific projects by applying advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development, as well as facilitating some training aspects for other team members. Oversee quality assurance of research conducted by other team members. May assist in grant and other funding applications as necessary and appropriate, or, with approval of the responsible faculty director, have their own research project.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in medical technology or a biological, chemical or physical science and five years of related laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
See all 56+ OPT Animal Care Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Animal Care Technician
Lead with your OPT authorization dates
Employers hiring Animal Care Technicians want to know how long you can work without a visa transfer. State your OPT start and end dates clearly in your application and be ready to confirm whether you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.
Target research institutions and universities
Research universities and academic medical centers hire Animal Care Technicians regularly and are experienced with OPT work authorization. These institutions often have dedicated HR processes for international employees, making them more receptive than smaller private practices.
Highlight hands-on lab and husbandry experience
Animal care employers prioritize candidates with documented experience handling specific species, operating autoclave equipment, or following IACUC protocols. Concrete skills from coursework, internships, or campus vivarium work make your application stand out to sponsorship-willing employers.
Confirm your degree field aligns with the role
OPT requires a direct connection between your degree and your job. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, and zoology degrees typically satisfy this for Animal Care Technician roles. Be prepared to explain that connection clearly if an employer or DSO asks.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like biology or animal science, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Mentioning this early shows employers you have longer-term availability, which can be the deciding factor in a hiring decision.
Get your DSO to confirm employment before you start
You cannot legally begin work as an Animal Care Technician until your OPT EAD card is in hand and your DSO has recorded the employer in SEVIS. Confirm these steps are complete before your first day to protect your immigration status.
Animal Care Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Animal Care Technician on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, and zoology degrees typically satisfy the OPT employment requirement for this role. Your employer does not need to sponsor a visa for you to work on OPT, but the job must align with your area of study.
Do Animal Care Technician employers typically support OPT workers?
Research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations are the most OPT-friendly employers for this role because they regularly hire from academic pipelines and have HR teams familiar with work authorization. Smaller veterinary clinics or private shelters may be less experienced with OPT, so it helps to explain the process clearly during interviews. Migrate Mate lists Animal Care Technician roles from employers open to OPT candidates.
Does an Animal Care Technician job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, animal science, or biochemistry, and your employer is E-Verify registered, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. The role itself does not need a STEM designation. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to verify eligibility before your initial OPT period expires.
What happens to my OPT status if my Animal Care Technician contract ends?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment during the standard period and 150 days during the STEM extension. If your contract ends, those days begin accumulating immediately. You can take on a new Animal Care Technician position or a related role to stop the clock, but you must update your employment in SEVIS through your DSO within 10 days of starting.
Can I work part-time as an Animal Care Technician on OPT?
Yes. Post-completion OPT permits part-time work of at least 20 hours per week, and that counts as authorized employment. Working fewer than 20 hours per week is treated as unemployment and counts toward your 90-day limit. If you are on the STEM extension, you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status under the extension requirements.