Research Veterinary Technician

Job Summary:

Support the health and responsible use of animals in biomedical research under the care of Research Animal Resources. Must work independently, interact and communicate effectively with animal husbandry, veterinary and investigative staff. Must be able to work with a large variety of species including rodents, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, production animals and nonhuman primates.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide veterinary care to animals in support of biomedical research.

• Must maintain understanding of research studies and protocols to ensure animals receive appropriate care while respecting the integrity of each study. Must be able to learn and understand how genetic manipulations support specific studies and how they affect animal health. Must be able to accurately assess pain in all species, respond proactively and manage pain appropriately.

• Using independent judgment and established Standards of Care, assess health conditions of patients.

• Assess and treat health conditions that may be related to a research study, or spontaneously acquired.

• Administer medications by oral, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular and intravenous routes.

• Perform rounds to monitor ongoing treatments and health concerns.

• Administer post-operative care, emergency care on an as needed or directed basis.

• Prepare animal patients for, perform, and assist in a variety of veterinary medical and surgical procedures, such as anesthesia prep, monitoring and recovery, dental procedures, wound management and euthanasia.

• Perform examinations, schedule and organize regular health screening and vaccinations for multiple species.

• Ensure that inventory is sufficient for these tasks.

• Maintain accurate and timely records, including GLP and electronic records, animal intake, housing and enrichment logs.

• Regularly review medical records for accuracy and completeness.

• May be trained to use and maintain a variety of complex veterinary equipment including, but not limited to anesthesia machine and ventilator, infusion pump, syringe pump, stereotaxis, suction, warmers, microscope, etc.

• Maintain the pharmacy and equipment: dispense pharmaceuticals, fill prescriptions, order, stock and maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals and supplies, including controlled substances.

• Wrap and autoclave instrument packs, maintain cold tray, ensure pharmacy is neat and clean at all times.

• Obtain fluid or tissue samples. Perform biopsies. Process diagnostic samples in-house and prepare for outside lab submission.

• Work some weekends and holidays in all areas of campus, with veterinarian on call.

• Must be familiar with and comply with regulatory bodies (e.g. USDA, OLAW, etc.), regulations (e.g. AWA/AWR, PHS Policy, etc.) and guidelines (e.g. The Guide) related to the field.

2. Perform technical services for investigators including, but not limited to, anesthesia prep, monitoring and recovery, breeding colony management, ear punching, ear tagging, injections, sedation, euthanasia and tissue harvesting. Bill investigators for treatments and technical services.

3. Train personnel. Train departmental staff, laboratory staff, students/interns as directed. As an instructor in regularly scheduled and special-request classes, train investigators to use proper technique for injections, tissue collection, anesthesia and asepsis, safety, restraint, identification, assessment, euthanasia and other techniques necessary for quality research results and animal welfare.

4. Prepare for and assist RAR directorship during regulatory site visits from AAALAC, USDA, IACUC and other authorities.

5. Other clinical or technical duties as assigned by the manager.

Required qualifications:

Graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program, or two years equivalent experience.

If assigned to be a driver, must pass a department of motor vehicle record screening.