Vet Research/Health Tech 1

We are located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus on 162 acres featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and a 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

About the role

The Small Laboratory Animal Veterinary Research/Health Technician 1 provides research support, health care, and husbandry for laboratory animals at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. This role coordinates work assignments to meet investigator and clinical veterinarian needs, oversees task completion, and provides training to staff. The position involves varied tasks depending on animal population, care requirements, and staffing needs. This is the first level of a three-level series, focusing on routine care with reduced responsibility for complex procedures.

Responsibilities

Animal Health Care Services

• Recognize, report, and record abnormalities in animal health, physical condition, or behavior.
• Implement medical orders within competencies as authorized by veterinary or research staff.
• Handle and care for animals in specialized colonies, including those exposed to chemicals, pathogens, or radioactive materials.
• Monitor animal environments, inspect caging and equipment for repairs or safety hazards.
• Administer medications and treatments under veterinary supervision; perform diagnostic procedures such as obtaining samples.

Animal Husbandry

• Perform husbandry tasks including cage cleaning, feeding, watering, and animal transport.
• Capture, restrain, and identify animals; perform sexing of laboratory animals.
• Maintain breeding colonies, including identification of newborns, health assessments, and weaning.
• Sanitize primary housing, equipment, and facilities; operate cage washers, autoclaves, and other equipment.
• Report facility issues (e.g., temperature irregularities, leaks, damaged surfaces) and complete corrective actions as directed.
• Record environmental data (e.g., room temperatures, lighting) and document work performed.

Research Support Services

• Coordinate and complete tasks following complex research protocols.
• Assist in developing and implementing animal care and use procedures; maintain regulatory and research records.
• Provide technical services such as blood sampling and medication administration.
• Interact professionally with investigative staff to meet research needs.

Miscellaneous

• Drive vehicles on and between campus locations.
• Autoclave materials and equipment.
• Assist with animal identification, capture, care, and transport.
• Load/unload animals and store feed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months of experience providing paid or voluntary animal care.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive DCM/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus.
• Professional and service-oriented attitude with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to interact positively with staff, supervisors, and researchers.
• Dexterity and manual skills for clinical procedures and computer use.
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral/written instructions.
• Effective communication with technical and professional staff.
• Ability to pass an FBI background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science (e.g., Animal Sciences, Biology, Physiology).
• One year of experience with small laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, guinea pigs).
• Experience in animal husbandry (e.g., feeding, watering, health checks).
• Experience in research animal health care or as a veterinary technician/assistant.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, controlled substances, and medical terminology.
• Certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (LAT) or equivalent (e.g., AHT, CVT).

Working Conditions

• Work may require weekends, non-regular hours, or overtime.
• Daily tasks involve wet/slick surfaces, narrow corridors, and climbing stairs.
• Work in non-environmentally controlled or covered areas.
• Risk of exposure to zoonotic agents, hazardous chemicals, and sanitizing agents.
• Required to work in ABSL-3 facilities and insectaries.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity and manual skills for animal handling and husbandry.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 23 kg (50 lbs) and lift 19 kg (42 lbs) to shoulder height.
• Push/pull heavy wheeled equipment (e.g., cage racks, loaded carts).
• Move unassisted through indoor/outdoor animal housing areas.
• Perform feeding, sanitization, restraint, medication administration, and sample collection.

Benefits

• Healthcare: 100% coverage for full-time employees, 88% for dependents.
• $50K term life insurance provided at no cost.
• Two above-market pension plans to choose from.
• Vacation: Up to 200 hours per year based on length of service.
• Sick Leave: Up to 96 hours per year.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial discounts on Tri-Met and C-Tran transit.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and national businesses.