Research Associate I (Vet Tech)

Job Overview

This position reports to the Principal Investigator and the Pre-Clinical Surgeon of the Cardiovascular surgical and interventional research laboratory within the MCRI and requires surgical and anesthesia proficiency in a variety of laboratory animal species and animal models. Independently, or under general supervision of the pre-clinical surgeon, induce and monitor general anesthesia in laboratory animals; perform surgery; provide technical assistance and nursing support to postoperative animals; assist investigative staff with experimental procedures, pre-, intra- and postoperative care and monitoring; and provide nursing services to animals. Actively participates in interdepartmental training and continuing education seminars.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree. (preferred to be in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Technology, Animal Health Science or a related field.)

2. One (1) year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree.

2. Three (3) years of experience in medical or clinical research environment.

3. Experience working with data and analyses in SAS, SPSS, or S-Plus.

4. Experience teaching statistics and statistical programming.

Licenses, Etc.

MVTA and/or AALAS and/or ASR and/or SRA certifications recommended.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Serve as key member of team executing biomedical research studies to aid in the design and development of cardiovascular (CV) treatments and medical devices.
• Induce and monitor general anesthesia in laboratory animals and maintain anesthesia and surgical equipment.
• Assist pre-clinical surgeon and investigators in surgical procedures, treatments and pre- and postoperative care of laboratory animals including weighing animals.
• Administer medications and provide care to animals including those recuperating from surgical procedures.
• Assist with provision of necessary enrichment for CV animals housed in the facility.
• Ensure compliance with animal use protocols and all other regulations regarding this research.
• In conjunction with other team members, maintain the CV surgical facility, ensuring it is clean. Clean and/or sterilize surgical instruments and related equipment.
• Records accurate data including animal weights, medical treatments, surgical records, etc.
• Maintain supply inventory and order supplies in a timely fashion to ensure availability for procedures.
• Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Keep up with current developments in methods, standards, and requirements for training in animal research and current laws, regulations, and policies governing animal research, teaching, and testing.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Maintain collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment
• Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs with or without accommodation.
• Normal laboratory environment. May be exposed to radioactivity under controlled conditions in accordance with institutional safety standard requirements.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge in laboratory animal medicine including anesthesia and surgery in a variety of small and large species.
• Knowledge of the regulations governing animals used in biomedical research.
• Must have demonstrated productivity and effective interpersonal skills; and have the ability to work effectively and professionally with others.