Overview
Animal Care Provider Jobs in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute
Title: Animal Care Provider
Company: Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Animal Facility and Animal Health
Montreal | On-site
About the IRCM
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is a world-class biomedical research center that puts science to work for health. The work of our teams contributes to major advances in research. We provide an environment where scientific rigor and collaboration drive the advancement of knowledge.
What you’ll love
• Contribute directly to animal welfare and the smooth operation of research projects.
• Work in a structured, collaborative, and supportive environment where scientific rigor is valued.
• Help drive the continuous improvement of practices and procedures in the Animal Facility and Animal Health.
Job Overview
Reporting to the Animal Facility and Animal Health Manager, the Animal Care Provider provides daily care for laboratory animals and ensures that the environment remains clean, safe, and compliant with current standards.
He or she works closely with the Animal Health Provider and the Facilities Coordinator to support animal welfare, maintain facility quality, and ensure compliance with protocols.
This position is suitable for a meticulous individual who is comfortable with physical and repetitive work and who wishes to play a hands-on role within a biomedical research center.
Responsibilities
• Provide daily care for laboratory animals (feeding, watering, monitoring appearance and behavior, enrichment, and general condition of cages).
• Perform cage changes and facility maintenance in accordance with established procedures (bedding, cleaning, disinfection, and maintaining order and cleanliness).
• Participate in laundry room activities: safe handling of cages, emptying (soiled bedding, accessories), mechanical and manual washing of cages and equipment, drying, assembly, and preparation of clean supplies.
• Sterilize equipment (autoclave or other devices) in accordance with current protocols, and ensure that the washing areas and equipment used are kept clean.
• Strictly follow biosafety and cross-contamination prevention procedures, comply with health and safety guidelines (including the use of PPE), and report any anomalies or malfunctions in equipment or infrastructure.
• Monitor the animals’ general health, administer authorized basic treatments, prepare and distribute wet food and special diets, and perform basic technical care (clipping nails, trimming teeth, simple treatments) according to approved protocols, in collaboration with the animal health technician and the veterinarian as needed.
• Collaborate with the animal care team to ensure continuity of services and care, and perform any other related tasks associated with the role.
What You Bring to the Table
Essential Requirements
• A Certificate of Vocational Studies (AEP) in Animal Care, or equivalent training or experience.
• Relevant experience in animal care (research animal facility, veterinary clinic, or related setting).
• Knowledge of hygiene, biosafety, and occupational health and safety regulations.
• Ability to perform physical work (prolonged standing, handling heavy cages and carts, repetitive tasks) in a noisy and controlled environment.
• Fluency in spoken and written French; working knowledge of English (an asset), depending on the job requirements.
Desired Skills
• Thorough knowledge of safe handling techniques for rodents and other laboratory animals.
• Ability to observe and quickly detect abnormal clinical or behavioral signs.
• Diligence in following SOPs and experimental protocols, as well as in maintaining records.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail (cage condition, enrichment, food, water), and strict adherence to animal welfare standards.
• Punctuality, reliability, a strong sense of professional ethics, and the ability to follow precise instructions.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, remaining calm and flexible in the face of unforeseen events and changes in priorities or protocols.
Key Information
• Schedule: Full-time (36.25 hours/week).
• Position type: Fixed-term contract for 1 year, renewable.
• Work location: On-site at the IRCM, in the heart of Montreal.
• Application deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain open until filled.
• Salary: Competitive compensation based on the current pay scale, with an on-call allowance, depending on experience.
Benefits
• 20 days of vacation after one year.
• 10 days of personal or sick leave per year.
• Additional time off during the holiday season.
• Defined benefit pension plan (RREGOP).
• Group insurance.
• Access to telemedicine for you and your family.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Bicycle-friendly facilities (secure parking and showers).
• Accessible location in the heart of Montreal.
• Collaborative and respectful work environment.
Submit Your Application
Submit your application (resume) by clicking “Apply.”
To learn more about the IRCM: https://www.ircm.qc.ca
Selection Process
Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Background checks may be conducted depending on the nature of the position.
The IRCM values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Accommodations may be provided upon request at any stage of the recruitment process. To request accommodations, please indicate this in the “Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?” section of the application form.
