Surgical Technologist

About the role

This role provides hands-on support for interventional and surgical studies involving laboratory animals, ensuring high-quality care during procedures and accurate technical execution in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), study protocols, and applicable GLP and non-GLP guidelines. The Surgical Technologist prepares and maintains surgical and catheterization lab suites, operates specialized imaging and anesthesia equipment, and collaborates closely with research teams and clients to support preclinical studies and data collection.

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Minneapolis, MN, working in a surgical room and laboratory environment with animals in a preclinical research setting, typically supporting approximately one to two procedures per day.

Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and GLP regulations as they apply to the preclinical research environment and individual study protocols, and apply this knowledge consistently during daily activities.
• Prepare surgical and catheterization lab suites for procedures by setting up instruments, organizing equipment, and stocking study-specific supplies to ensure readiness for each case.
• Monitor anesthesia and animal vital signs during surgical, interim, and terminal procedures, and respond appropriately to changes to support animal welfare and study integrity.
• Assist during interventional procedures by performing QCA or QVA measurements, and accurately produce, record, and maintain those measurements in CD, DVD, or paper formats as required.
• Operate specialized software-driven equipment, including fluoroscopy and 3D imaging systems, to support interventional and surgical procedures and data acquisition.
• Provide professional customer service to clients by interacting courteously, addressing questions, and responding to requests in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments by washing, drying, and storing them properly, assembling surgical packs, and processing sterile packs using autoclave or ethylene oxide sterilization methods.
• Operate, clean, and maintain gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and other surgical equipment routinely utilized in the surgical and cath lab environment.
• Maintain an efficient, organized, and clean work area by routinely re-stocking cath labs, operating rooms, and general storerooms with necessary supplies and equipment.
• Participate in procedures that may include euthanasia in accordance with established protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the broader preclinical research and surgical operations.

Requirements

• Hands-on technical experience performing duties similar to those listed, including preparation of surgical suites, instrument handling, and support of surgical procedures.
• Practical experience with animal surgery and veterinary care in a clinical, research, or laboratory setting.
• Experience monitoring anesthesia and animal vital signs during procedures.
• Ability to operate gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and other surgical equipment.
• Ability to perform and accurately document QCA or QVA measurements using appropriate formats (CD, DVD, or paper).
• Proficiency in operating specialized software-driven equipment such as fluoroscopy and 3D imaging systems.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain clean, efficient, and well-stocked surgical and cath lab environments.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Capacity to work in an environment that includes animal procedures and euthanasia, with appropriate professionalism and emotional resilience.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, biology, animal science, or a related animal science field is required.
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or ALAT certification is preferred.
• Background in animal science, veterinary technology, biology, surgery, or veterinary care is highly beneficial.
• Experience in anesthesia management and monitoring is advantageous.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in place of the specific educational requirements.
• Interest in starting or growing a career in the research and preclinical industry, with motivation to advance into higher-level technician roles (such as Tech II or III).
• Willingness to cross-train in different departments after establishing proficiency in the primary role.
• Comfort working with human cadavers if the individual chooses to participate in those opportunities (participation is optional).

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)