Veterinary Technician

Job Title Veterinary Technician Job Description This Veterinary Technician role supports the clinical management of a variety of research animals and contributes to the broader clinical mission of Research Animal Resources. The position is hybrid, with approximately 80% of responsibilities focused on small animals and 20% on large animals. After an initial training period on a Monday–Friday schedule, the role follows a modified schedule in which Fridays through Mondays make up four of the five working days. The Veterinary Technician works closely with veterinarians, research staff, and animal resources personnel to provide high‑quality animal care, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Responsibilities Provide clinical support and care for small research animals such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other species as assigned. Independently triage, manage, and maintain detailed records of clinical concerns for mice and rats. Manage and document clinical cases for other small animal species under the supervision of a veterinarian. Consult regularly with veterinarians on clinical case management and treatment plans for research animals. Complete, maintain, and ensure compliance of written documentation and records using relevant software systems such as eSirius. Review clinical care plans with investigators and communicate updates or changes clearly and promptly. Perform small animal techniques including restraint, oral, intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), and subcutaneous (SQ) injections, as well as blood and tissue collection. Accurately calculate drug dosages and work responsibly with controlled substances in accordance with established procedures. Perform rodent breeding colony management as needed, including monitoring, recordkeeping, and coordination with investigators. Perform basic diagnostic laboratory techniques such as in‑house parasitology and microscopy when required. Review, process, and document small animal transfer requests in accordance with facility procedures. Carry out additional small animal duties as assigned to support the clinical mission and research activities. Provide clinical care and weekend treatments for large animals such as pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, marmosets, and macaques, including IM, SQ, IV injections and oral (PO) medications. Communicate promptly with veterinarians regarding clinical case management and report any observed clinical abnormalities in large animals. Document, maintain, and ensure compliance of written records for large animal cases using software platforms such as LabKey. Assist veterinary, research, and animal resources staff with medical treatments, research procedures, and other clinical manipulations as needed. Accurately calculate drug dosages for both oral and injectable medications in large animals. Log, handle, and store controlled substances in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Use anesthetics and assist with anesthesia‑related tasks, including anesthetic monitoring, as required for research and clinical procedures. Support surgical procedures by assisting with animal surgery, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative care as needed. Monitor animal health and behavior, identify signs of illness or distress, and elevate concerns appropriately. Perform animal handling and husbandry tasks, including restraint and routine care, in a safe and humane manner. Use case management skills to coordinate care, follow‑up, and documentation for assigned animals. Discuss animal‑related projects with investigators and relay relevant information and concerns to veterinarians and management. Follow detailed oral and written instructions for clinical protocols, research procedures, and regulatory requirements. Work safely under environmental conditions that require the use of personal protective and safety equipment. Lift, carry, move, and position objects and materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed for animal care and facility operations. Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the animal research program. Essential Skills High school diploma or graduation equivalent. At least 1 year of related animal experience. Experience with veterinary care in a research or clinical setting, including basic animal health monitoring and treatments. Proficiency in animal handling and restraint techniques for small and large animals. Ability to perform injections via oral, IM, IV, IP, and SQ routes. Skill in blood and tissue collection from research animals. Competence in drug dosage calculations for both oral and injectable medications. Ability to work with controlled substances in a compliant and responsible manner. Knowledge of regulations, policies, and principles governing the care and use of laboratory animals. Knowledge and skill in catheterization and intubation procedures. Experience with anesthetic monitoring, preferably including ventilator experience. Ability to understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions. Ability to read and write to maintain records, follow labels, and complete documentation accurately. Ability to interact and work with faculty, students, staff, and visitors in a knowledgeable, respectful, and courteous manner. Ability to discuss animal‑related projects with investigators and accurately report these discussions to veterinarians and management. Ability to handle and restrain laboratory animals without causing injury or harm to the animal, self, or others. Ability to work under environmental conditions that require the use of safety equipment. Ability to lift, carry, move, and position objects and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Additional Skills & Qualifications Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, in accordance with institutional equivalency guidelines. Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or a related field is preferred. Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license is preferred. Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification is preferred. Experience with animal surgery and surgical instrumentation is beneficial. Background in animal research or animal science is advantageous. Experience with anesthesia, anesthetics, and IV placement is desirable. Familiarity with animal husbandry practices in a research setting is preferred. Experience using software such as eSirius and LabKey for animal records and case management is beneficial. Strong case management skills, including coordination of care and documentation, are advantageous. Motivation to gain experience in a high‑volume animal care and research environment. Work Environment The Veterinary Technician works primarily in operating rooms (OR) and animal research laboratories within a high‑volume research environment. The role involves direct work with a wide range of species, including small animals such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, as well as large animals such as pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, marmosets, and macaques. The position uses specialized clinical and research technologies, including anesthetic equipment, ventilators, surgical instrumentation, and electronic record systems such as eSirius and LabKey. The schedule follows a modified pattern in which Fridays through Mondays are four of the five working days after an initial Monday–Friday training period, and weekend coverage is a core component of the role. The work requires the use of personal protective and safety equipment and involves exposure to typical laboratory and animal facility conditions. The environment offers extensive hands‑on experience in animal care and research procedures at a leading research institution, with opportunities to collaborate closely with veterinarians, researchers, and animal care staff. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD. Pay and Benefits Pay range: $23.00 - $27.00/hr. Benefits Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Actalent