Veterinary Support Staff

Job Summary

The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others. Under supervision from the ARC Compliance & Training Supervisor, provides general assistance to veterinary and investigative staff. Performs routine observation health rounds and treatments of rodent and exotics population, provides training of animal facility and investigative staff, and shares weekend/holiday rotation with other veterinary support staff.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Compliance & Training Manager, performs health assessments, analgesic management, and medical care of rodents and “exotic” species (i.e. frogs, hamsters, birds, zebrafish).
• Communicates with veterinarians, husbandry staff, and investigative staff and assists with training and advising investigators, research, and animal facility staff including animal handling, animal health, and technical procedures.
• Records and maintains complete and accurate records documentation.
• Provides technical research procedures.
• Shares rotation for health assessments on weekends and holidays with other rodent/exotics veterinary support staff.
• Assists with the rodent quarantine and health monitoring programs.
• Assists with the shipment and receipt of animals coming from external/non-approved sources to quarantine, transfer of animals from quarantine to procedural facilities, collects diagnostic samples, manages outbreak response in conjunction with veterinarians, and performs necropsies.
• Provides hands-on rodent/exotics technique training.
• Assists with the development of new training mater.
• Understands aquatics life support systems and how to interpret aquatics water quality testing results.
• Assists with the collection and processing of environmental samples from all facilities (i.e. water quality testing, ATP swabs, etc.).
• Under guidance and direction, analyzes clinical samples and specimens and reports results.
• Prepares specimens for examination, and looks for abnormalities using automated equipment, and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously.
• Conducts new tests and researches on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory.
• Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.
• Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures.
• Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 1+ years of experience with biomedical research environment or research animal setting. 1+ years of experience with handling, caring, and performing technical procedures for rodents, birds, and aquatics species. Licenses and Certifications: AALAS certification at any level strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to providing excellent service and support to users and collaborators.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong computer, record-keeping, time management, and follow-through skills.
• Adaptable and eager to learn, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and unscheduled needs.
• Ability to Identify, analyze, and resolve clinical, procedural, and compliance challenges with a proactive mindset, applying critical thinking to find practical solutions.

Working Conditions

Involves a combination of mobility between facilities, work in a biological safety cabinet, and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work.