Inotiv·Fort Collins, Colorado
The Necropsy Technician I performs necropsy functions, collects tissues, and records gross observations in accordance with SOPs and GLP. They also provide support for histology processes and maintain the cleanliness and inventory of the necropsy laboratory.
The Necropsy Technician I assists with the preparation and in performing all necropsy functions in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and company regulations. They will also provide support in histology processes striving to sustain the highest quality results.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified below and perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
The below is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job’s performance and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.
Key Accountabilities Interprets and applies protocol information and instructions from Study Director and Study Pathologist for necropsy tasks.
Prepares for upcoming studies or projects, including but not limited to, creating data collection forms, printing and reviewing tissue lists, and making labels.
Ensures room is appropriately setup for procedure (i.e. labeled container prep, instruments and tools, drapes, cutting boards, etc.).
Performs necropsy procedures (identifies and records gross observations, collects protocol required tissues, captures/logs photos, bone marrow smears, organ weights, etc.), on a variety of research animals.
Participates in cleaning and sanitization of the necropsy room(s).
Post necropsy, ensures work processes have been maintained and completed on schedule (i.e. photo uploads, scanning paper records, logging tissues, special tissue transfers).
Completes quality control review of necropsy data.
Coordinates shipping and/or transfer of necropsy study specimens.
Performs waste management and recycling processes.
Assists in maintaining inventory for necropsy laboratory and alerts appropriate team member of items needed for reorder.
Conducts upkeep of necropsy instruments (i.e. sharpening, proper storage, etc.) and procedure area(s).
Supports histology related procedures (i.e., tissue trimming and bagging of residual tissue, labeling, radiography of study specimens, etc.).
Rotational on call availability for weekend and holiday coverage.
Other Follows all SOPs and other applicable laboratory or company policies and procedures.
Maintains confidential information.
Supports and participates in company initiatives as directed.
Performs periodic review of all applicable SOPs to ensure accuracy and confirm procedures are being performed according to SOPs.
Participates in SOP writing, review, and revision, as needed.
Completes training requirements as assigned and maintains appropriate training documentation.
Maintains compliance and adheres to all safety regulations, policies, and procedures and good documentation practices.
Maintains a thorough knowledge and ensures compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and other applicable regulations.
Interacts with clients, other employees, and the community in a professional manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Critical Success Factors Is consistently reliable and trustworthy to fulfill commitments, meet deadlines, deliver quality work on time and take ownership of responsibilities.
Actively supports and contributes to the success of the team.
Exhibits an aptitude for quality, an eye for detail.
Ability to tackle a problem by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
Understands anatomic and physiologic variations in lab animals.
Fluency in comprehension and correlation of gross terminology.
Skill to routinely trim a variety of tissue specimens in consistent and efficient manner.
Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Has a strong work ethic and positive attitude while working towards or under a given deadline.
Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions and understand scientific protocols and reports with a sense for scientific methods.
Documents and organizes study material in an orderly fashion.
Practices safety awareness, precautions, and follows guidelines for usage of chemicals and instruments in necropsy and laboratory.
Ability and desire to learn new methods or workflows.
Participates in continual training opportunities.
Continually works to refine skills and abilities.
Minimum Requirements High school diploma or equivalent Familiarity in anatomy and physiology of animals Knowledge of medical terminology Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or related software, and similar computer applications.
Ability to quickly learn new systems quickly.
Associates degree in life sciences or related discipline Understanding of and experience in necropsy operations and procedures Working Conditions & Physical Requirements The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. (The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to one-third of working time, “regularly” means between one-third and two-thirds of working time, and “frequently” means two-thirds and more of working time.) General Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English Ability to read, write and understand oral and/or written instructions Ability to read and transcribe animal identification and study numbers Physical Activity This position will require frequent walking, sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time, carrying, bending, and lifting reagents, etc. up to 50lbs to a height of 5 feet, reaching while standing, gripping, and twisting hand movements, finger control and other general repetitive motions. Manual dexterity to operate laboratory equipment and calculator/computer as well as prosection/grossing/embedding of small specimens, operation of microtome, and techniques required for quality slide preparation Perform bending and lifting required for stocking laboratory materials, disposing/reclaiming of chemical solutions, and archiving/shipping specimens Toleration of minimal odors and chemical fumes Bend and lift reagents, etc. up to 50lbs. to a height of 5 feet Able to read and interpret animal identifications, test results, and instrument and reagent specifications Working Conditions Frequent involvement with radiant/electrical energy, solvents, grease, oil, irritants, acids, bases, and other hazardous chemicals, electro-mechanical hazards, flammable materials, and biohazards. Due to exposure to hazardous biological materials (which may include HIV positive specimens), immunization to diseases may be a required Able to wear latex or nitrile gloves, dust mask and/or respirator, and safety glasses as required. Will be exposed to animal dander and/or material associated with animal husbandry The noise level is usually moderate Ability to travel to various site locations The salary range is $24-$27/hr and will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person’s relevant experience and/or education level. Benefits include health dental, and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more! The application deadline is July 24, 2026. This deadline may be extended until the position is filled. *This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person’s relevant experience and/or education level. Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more! Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
A high school diploma is required, with a preference for an associate degree in life sciences. Candidates must have familiarity with animal anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Market context
In Colorado, dental roles often draw steady interest because practices need reliable support for patient flow, chairside assistance, and front-office coordination. These positions can be competitive when they require prior clinical experience, comfort with fast-paced teamwork, and availability for long shifts, nights, weekends, or holidays. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience matches the schedule and stress level before applying.