Special Services Technician
Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
You'd help develop standard operating procedures for new techniques introduced to the unit. How do you write a procedure another technician can follow exactly?
What they are checking: Whether they can write clear procedures others follow consistently, which keeps new techniques safe and repeatable across the unit.
How do you work with an investigator who wants something done a way you think is wrong?
What they are checking: Whether they can respectfully hold to welfare and protocol standards, even when an investigator would prefer a shortcut or a different method.
This work involves animal research. How do you think about that?
What they are checking: Whether they have a thoughtful, respectful view of animal research, since this work involves ethical questions that deserve careful consideration.
What would you do
A colony is not producing the numbers a study needs. How would you work out why?
What they are checking: Whether they can investigate breeding problems systematically, checking genetics, records and housing conditions instead of simply guessing.
You notice an animal that does not look right during a routine task. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they notice signs of animal distress and report them promptly, since quick action protects animal welfare and research quality.
This reports to the special services program supervisor within the animal resources center. What would you want to know about the caseload and the investigators you would support before you took it?
What they are checking: Whether they ask about the workload and researchers before accepting, which shows they want a realistic understanding of the job.
About the work
This role gives investigators advanced rodent technical support within an animal research center. What hands-on rodent work have you done?
What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on experience handling rodents, since this role supports researchers who depend on skilled and humane animal work.
You'd perform experimental procedures with research animals alongside investigative staff. Which procedures are you trained and current in?
What they are checking: Whether they are honest about which procedures they can perform competently, since overstating skills can harm animals and research results.
You'd help principal investigator groups with colony management including breeding and weaning. How do you keep a breeding colony on track?
What they are checking: Whether they understand breeding records, pairing and weaning schedules well enough to keep colonies producing the animals researchers need.
You'd participate in weekly collection and shipment of genotyping samples. What has to be right about a sample shipment?
What they are checking: Whether they understand labeling, packaging and paperwork for samples, since a shipping error can delay or ruin a research project.
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As published by University of Chicago.