Veterinary Technician

About the role

The Veterinarian Technician conducts a variety of routine health care procedures on the Institute’s animal populations following established techniques and procedures. Procedures include clinical diagnostics, sample collection, administration of drugs or therapeutics, anesthetic monitoring from induction to recovery, dental prophylaxis, and related activities. The Veterinarian Technician participates in routine animal colony maintenance and preventative care, including health assessments, vaccination, and other prescribed health maintenance procedures. Work may involve biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma, and urine.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical diagnostics, sample collection, and administration of drugs or therapeutics
• Monitor anesthesia from induction to recovery
• Conduct dental prophylaxis
• Participate in routine animal colony maintenance and preventative care, including health assessments and vaccinations
• Follow and enforce safety procedures
• Perform routine laboratory procedures within project deadlines
• Work with biological samples (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, urine)

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, animal sciences, or equivalent field
• Registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) preferred
• Experience and/or certification (e.g., ALAT, LAT, LATG) in laboratory animal research is desirable
• Demonstrated understanding of veterinary medicine and routine procedures (e.g., catheter placement, phlebotomy, radiography, dental prophylaxis, drug administration)
• Experience with anesthetic monitoring and knowledge of common disease conditions
• Ability to follow and enforce safety procedures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, and Outlook
• Ability to learn department-specific computer systems

Physical Requirements

• Work performed in laboratory and vivarium/animal housing environments
• Frequent standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, crawling, and reaching/working overhead
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds
• Repetitive desk-based computer tasks
• Wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator
• Work in close proximity to research animals
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials and/or infectious agents, which may require vaccinations

Pay

Salary is commensurate with experience, plus a $500 sign-on bonus.