© TU Dresden/ Juliane Lange

An animal keeper’s main functions are to breed, feed and generally attend the laboratory animals in their care as well as to clean and maintain the cages, all in accordance with the prescribed hygiene regulations.

Other tasks include computer-assisted documentation of breeding and experimental trials, close observation of the animals, marking of animals for identification and support with treatment and surgical procedures.

Course of training

During the three-year vocational training program, you will learn everything you need to know to care for laboratory animals. You will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in our animal keeping facility, in some research departments and as part of off-site training blocks.

The vocational training program for animal keepers with a specialization in research and clinical work comprises the following focal points:

• Application of accident prevention measures and the legal provisions governing animal keeping
• Animal anatomy, physiology and behavior
• Breeding and rearing of hygienically and genetically defined animals
• Optimal care, feeding and keeping of laboratory animals
• Construction and maintenance of animal shelters
• Procurement, storage, preparation and use of animal feed and bedding
• Species-appropriate animal transport
• Support with treatment and surgical procedures
• Application of hygiene measures (incl. cleaning and disinfection)
• Meetings with clients and electronic data collection

Prerequisites

You should have at least completed Realschule (high school equivalent) and enjoy working with animals and other people. You should be a patient team player and work carefully and precisely. You should also have a strong sense of responsibility, a balanced nature, a calm method of working and you should be prepared to perform some demanding physical labor. Moreover, you should be computer literate and possess basic English skills.

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