Research Technician I

Purpose of Role / Job Summary

The Research Technician is responsible for ensuring proper study conduct while maintaining the well-being of animals in accordance with all standard operating procedures (SOPs), applicable state and federal regulations, as well as guidelines set forth by the veterinary team.

Key Accountabilities

• Reviews study protocol and notebook prior to study initiation.
• Participates in pre-study meetings as necessary.
• Performs daily clinical observations of the animals and their pens/cages to assure the well-being, health, and sanitation of the cages is adequate.
• Watches for adverse effects following administration of the test article.
• Doses or administers treatments to animals by a variety of routes (including but not limited to ocular, oral capsule, oral gavage, dermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) in a variety of species.
• Collects and processes biological samples, as needed and trained (i.e., blood, synovial fluid, urine or feces).
• Performs physical exams and collects body weights and body condition score.
• Collects feed consumption weights.
• Learns pre-operative procedures including but not limited to pre-medication, inducing anesthesia, installing catheters, prepping surgical/injection sites, etc.
• Assists in aseptic or sterile surgical field preparation.
• Learn to monitor anesthetized animals during surgical or non-surgical procedures.
• Performs surgical instrument disinfecting, cleaning, wrapping/packaging, sterilizing, and storing; exercises care in cleaning and maintaining all surgical instruments.
• Learns post-operative monitoring and care of animals used in surgical procedures.
• Keeps accurate records of use of medications and controlled substances.
• Performs euthanasia and learns necropsy procedures.
• Accurately and timely completes appropriate entries into the electronic data capture system or on paper records.
• Completes daily data review of paperwork and computer entries to ensure completeness, legibility and accuracy.
• Other procedures as described in the study protocol or defined by SOPs.
• Monitors inventory levels of related study or surgical supplies including for expiration and notifies appropriate team member of items that need to be ordered.
• Assists with stocking supplies.
• Helps with routine cleaning tasks (i.e., sweep, mop, trash) within the animal vivarium for general facility upkeep and cleanliness.
• Assists with preparation of study notebooks, as needed.
• Participates in training newly hired employees on proficient procedures.

Other

• Follows all SOPs and other applicable laboratory or company policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential information.
• Supports and participates in company initiatives as directed.
• Performs periodic review of all applicable SOPs to ensure accuracy and confirm procedures are being performed according to SOPs.
• Participates in SOP writing, review, and revision, as needed.
• Completes training requirements as assigned and maintains appropriate training documentation.
• Maintains compliance and adheres to all safety regulations, policies, and procedures and good documentation practices.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge and ensures compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and other applicable regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Critical Success Factors

• Has strong organization skills - establishes and prioritizes tasks to manage time and resources appropriately and identifies resources to meet objectives in a timely manner.
• Exhibits an aptitude for quality, an eye for detail, the ability to follow written instructions and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work with personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Handles multiple responsibilities seamlessly in fast-paced, high-energy environments.
• Exhibits accuracy and adaptability performing laboratory operations, some of which may be difficult and/or non-routine.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficient in the use of a computer to compile and maintain simple data, spreadsheets, checklists and reports for records and inventory, utilizing the appropriate software.
• Demonstrates an ability to follow detailed instructions with a sense for scientific method.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree, or equivalent, in biology, life sciences, or related field.
• Two years’ experience as a vet technician/assistant in general practice or similar; or one year of direct experience in a research facility with large animals.
• Demonstrated independent user with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, data capture software, and similar computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, life sciences, or related field.
• Registered or Certified Veterinary Technician (RVT or CVT) or equivalent.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Certification.
• Experience in an operating room environment, post-op care or animal triage.