Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Surgical Technologist

Job Description

The Surgical Technologist 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. This role 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.

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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Additional Skills & 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).

Work Environment

This role is based in a surgical room and laboratory environment working directly with animals in a preclinical research setting, typically supporting approximately one to two procedures per day. The work involves regular handling of surgical instruments, anesthesia equipment, imaging systems, and sterilization devices, as well as participation in procedures that include euthanasia in accordance with established protocols. The position requires frequent lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds with assistance. Team members may also have the optional opportunity to work with human cadavers. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, adherence to SOPs and regulatory guidelines, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary research team, with clear paths for career growth and cross-training across departments.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your 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 the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.