Lab Student Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Veterinarian, provides intermediate care for ill and injured animal patients or animals used in a research or hospital setting. May perform veterinary care, animal husbandry, and basic technical skills with fourth-year veterinary students. Provides assistance to students, Veterinarians, and investigative staff in their treatment of animals, teaching, or research functions. Position operates within standard guidelines and alternatives that are known, and any deviation from such requires prior approval. Guidance and mentorship can be provided by Veterinary Technician II or III.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Assists with basic nursing care on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification level I and II patients, which are considered healthy or with mild systemic disease. Nursing care to include but not limited to: monitoring body functions (temperature, respiration, heartbeat, amount and frequency of food consumptions, defecation, urination etc.) and noting abnormalities; placing and maintaining intravenous catheters; administering fluids and medications orally, parenterally, and enterally; and performing other basic treatments.

Collects and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.

Assists with basic preparatory procedures on various animal species and assists staff members in surgical, medical, or laboratory procedure preparation, including instrument and supply set up.

Administers anesthesia and monitors patient response through the recovery period for ASA I-II patients.

Maintains orderly and sanitary work areas for clinical, teaching, and research facilities.

Stocks and organizes patient exam rooms, treatment areas, holding areas and operating rooms.

May assist with entering hospital costs and medical records into the computer to create accurate records for billing accounts.

Assists with set up, inventory, maintenance, security, and repairs for equipment and instruments used in surgical procedures, emergencies and/or lab sessions.

Utilizes ultrasound machines and x-rays, assist with MRI, or other related imaging equipment for patient diagnostics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of animal health and welfare - animal isolation, sample collection, medical treatment, nursing and monitoring, pre & post-surgical requirements including room and supply preparation.

Knowledge of pharmacology - dosage, calculations, and usage.

Knowledge of animal husbandry - animal feeding, watering, grooming, handling, safe transporting, and environmental requirements.

Knowledge of record maintenance - collecting and recording data.

Knowledge of trimming, clipping, or grooming animals.

Knowledge of teaching and/or demonstration of safe animal handling.

Knowledge of regulatory requirements (Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service, etc.).

Ability to handle, restrain, move, load, and unload animals.

Ability to administer medication - topical, injectable, oral, and rectal.

Ability to check and interpret vital signs.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 70 pounds.

Ability to instruct and demonstrate veterinary techniques in handling, grooming, and nursing animals.

Ability to interact in a professional capacity.

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to prioritize daily tasks.

Ability to work in high stress environments.

Knowledge of computers, computerized medical record systems, and word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.