Jobs › University of Chicago

Special Services Technician

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $21.63–$28.85 an hour · Full time

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.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD ARC - Special Services - Small Animals About the Department The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus. The ARC Special Services unit is responsible for providing colony management and advanced rodent technical expertise to investigators. Job Summary The job provides clinical research laboratories with technical support. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. Completes work with a moderate degree of supervision. The Special Services Technician provides technical and operational support to investigators conducting animal research under the direction of the Special Services Program Supervisor. This hands-on role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including rodent colony management (breeding and weaning), coordination of weekly Transnetyx sample collection and shipment, and maintenance of specialized supplies and equipment inventory. Responsibilities • Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff as well as provides. • Assists principal investigator group with rodent colony management (breeding, weaning, etc.) within the animal facilities. • Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit and provides. • Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples. • Assists with the development of standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program supervisor. • Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports. • Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of rodent husbandry experience within an academic animal care and use research program. Experience: • Previous work in a biomedical environment and/or research. Licenses/Certifications: • AALAS certification at any level. Preferred Competencies • Proficiency and comfort with technology systems and software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. • Strong organizational and communication skills, with a customer service orientation. • Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team. • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Working Conditions • Involves a combination of mobility between facilities and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly ​ FLSA Status Non-Exempt ​ Pay Range $21.63 - $28.85 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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