Veterinary Technician (Laboratory Animal Research Assistant)

About the position

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)'s Veterinary Resources program has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Technician (Laboratory Animal Research Assistant). We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team of excellent Veterinary Technicians. Veterinary Resources supports the use of animal models of human biology in translational biomedical research and discovery. With animal research, the similarities and differences among species are leveraged to better understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat human disease. A collegial sharing of expertise between Veterinary Resources and other essential UMB departments and services (i.e., OAWA, IACUC, EHS, OHS) provides a safe, ethical, humane, and legal environment for the advancement of biomedical research. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for performing animal clinical care and animal-based research activities in a laboratory setting with a variety of species. Reporting to the Veterinary Technician Manager, this role is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on animal research across the University. This is a full-time exempt position that will work Monday through Friday. Some schedule flexibility, including weekends and holidays, may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical services on animals, such as administering treatments, obtaining biological samples, providing pre/postoperative care, and euthanasia on a wide variety of species.
• Conduct daily observations of animal health, record all findings, examinations, and treatments.
• Ensure laboratories performing Good Laboratory Practice studies abide by regulations as defined in Title 21 US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 58.
• Collect and review data as it relates to collaborative research projects.
• Generate data reports.
• Observe, identify, and report animal health related problems as needed.
• Assist in the collection of biological samples for research purposes, and diagnostic testing/animal health monitoring.
• Compile and analyze data as it relates to quarantine and sentinels.
• Assist with specialized veterinary procedures such as physical examinations, treatments, surgery, radiology, and necropsy procedures, on a wide variety of species.
• Assist veterinarians in administering treatment to a wide variety of species in the facility 24hours/day, 365 days/year.
• Ensure that the surgery, pharmacy, and procedure rooms are properly stocked with supplies, clean, and orderly.
• Ensure laboratory work in accomplished in accordance with animal welfare regulations, USDA, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Public Health Service (PHS), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to animal science.
• Prior experience working with laboratory animals in a research setting, working with animals in a veterinary medical practice experience and/or experience participating in pre-clinical GLP studies.
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
• May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.
• May include working in biohazardous/select agents and/or in Animal Biosafety Level-3 Laboratories (ABSL-3) which require successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience supporting clinical care and research using laboratory animal species.
• Experience providing surgical, anesthetic monitoring and post-operative support.
• Proficiency with examinations, restraint, injections (IV, SC, IM, ID), catheter placement, intubation, wound management.
• Grasp of animal behavior, behavioral management, enrichment methods for various species and their overall welfare.
• Computer proficiency including spreadsheet, word processing, and general computer skills are a must.
• Nonhuman primate experience is a plus.
• Biohazard experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Participation in a retirement program effective on the date of hire.
• Generous leave package including over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).