Research Veterinary Technician

About the job

Support the health and responsible use of animals in biomedical research under the care of Research Animal Resources. Must work independently, interact and communicate effectively with animal husbandry, veterinary and investigative staff. Must be able to work with a large variety of species including rodents, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, production animals and nonhuman primates.

Essential Functions

• (70%) Provide veterinary care to animals in support of biomedical research.
  • Maintain understanding of research studies and protocols to ensure animals receive appropriate care while respecting the integrity of each study.
  • Learn and understand how genetic manipulations support specific studies and how they affect animal health.
  • Accurately assess pain in all species, respond proactively and manage pain appropriately.
  • Assess and treat health conditions that may be related to a research study, or spontaneously acquired.
  • Administer medications by various routes.
  • Perform rounds to monitor ongoing treatments and health concerns.
  • Administer post-operative care, emergency care on an as needed or directed basis.
  • Prepare animal patients for, perform, and assist in a variety of veterinary medical and surgical procedures.
  • Perform examinations, schedule and organize regular health screening and vaccinations for multiple species.
  • Ensure that inventory is sufficient for these tasks.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records, including GLP and electronic records, animal intake, housing and enrichment logs.
  • Regularly review medical records for accuracy and completeness.
  • May be trained to use and maintain a variety of complex veterinary equipment.
  • Maintain the pharmacy and equipment: dispense pharmaceuticals, fill prescriptions, order, stock and maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals and supplies, including controlled substances.
  • Wrap and autoclave instrument packs, maintain cold tray, ensure pharmacy is neat and clean at all times.
  • Obtain fluid or tissue samples. Perform biopsies. Process diagnostic samples in-house and prepare for outside lab submission.
  • Work some weekends and holidays in all areas of campus, with veterinarian on call.
  • Familiar with and comply with regulatory bodies, regulations and guidelines related to the field.
• (10%) Perform technical services for investigators including, but not limited to, anesthesia prep, monitoring and recovery, breeding colony management, ear punching, ear tagging, injections, sedation, euthanasia and tissue harvesting. Bill investigators for treatments and technical services.
• (10%) Train personnel. Train departmental staff, laboratory staff, students/interns as directed. As an instructor in regularly scheduled and special-request classes, train investigators to use proper technique for injections, tissue collection, anesthesia and asepsis, safety, restraint, identification, assessment, euthanasia and other techniques necessary for quality research results and animal welfare.
• (5%) Prepare for and assist RAR directorship during regulatory site visits from AAALAC, USDA, IACUC and other authorities.
• (5%) Other clinical or technical duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program, or two years equivalent experience.

About the Department

About the DepartmentResearch Animal Resources (RAR) provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities. The position of Research Veterinary Technician is union represented, and is part of a staff of over 120 employees including Professional and Administrative staff, Civil Service staff, Union Represented members, and student employees. RAR has a daily census of 24,000 rodent cages in 20 buildings split into 7 geographic teams around the Minneapolis and St. Paul Campuses.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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Employment Requirements

• Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.