Surgical Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Surgical Technician

Job Description

The Surgical Technician provides high-quality care for laboratory animals during surgical procedures and supports interventional and surgical studies in a preclinical research environment. This role prepares and maintains surgical and catheterization lab suites, monitors anesthesia and animal vital signs, operates specialized imaging and surgical equipment, and ensures strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP guidelines, and study protocols. The position offers a strong entry point into the research and preclinical industry with clear opportunities for growth and cross-training across departments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GLP regulations, and individual study protocols to perform all duties in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Prepare surgical and catheterization lab suites for procedures by setting up instruments, equipment, and study-specific supplies in advance of each case.
• Monitor anesthesia and animal vital signs during surgical, interim, and terminal procedures, documenting observations as required.
• Assist during interventional procedures by performing QCA or QVA measurements and accurately recording and maintaining these data in CD, DVD, or paper formats.
• Operate specialized software-driven equipment, including fluoroscopy and 3D imaging systems, in support of interventional and surgical procedures.
• Provide professional customer service to internal and external clients through clear communication and timely responses to requests.
• Prepare, clean, and maintain surgical instruments by washing, drying, assembling surgical packs, and processing sterile packs using autoclave or ethylene oxide.
• Operate, clean, and routinely maintain gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and other commonly used surgical equipment to ensure safe and reliable performance.
• Maintain an efficient, organized, and clean work environment by restocking and arranging catheterization labs, operating rooms, and general storerooms as needed.
• Participate in procedures that include euthanasia of animals in accordance with established protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the smooth operation of the surgical and research teams.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated technical, hands-on experience with animal surgery support, anesthesia monitoring, and related responsibilities listed for this role.
• Knowledge of animal science, veterinary technology, biology, or related animal care disciplines.
• Experience or training in animal surgery and perioperative animal care.
• Ability to monitor and support anesthesia, including observation and documentation of animal vital signs.
• Ability to learn and apply GLP and non-GLP requirements in a preclinical research setting.
• Competence in handling, cleaning, and maintaining surgical instruments and equipment, including autoclaves and gas anesthesia machines.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate data collection, recordkeeping, and adherence to protocols.
• Capacity to perform euthanasia procedures in line with established ethical and procedural standards.
• Physical ability to frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with clients and colleagues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, biology, animal science, or a closely related field is required.
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential or ALAT certification is preferred.
• Experience working in veterinary care, animal science, or preclinical research environments is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with QCA or QVA measurements and associated documentation practices.
• Experience operating fluoroscopy, 3D imaging, or other software-driven imaging and surgical systems is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of procedures and to cross-train in different departments over time.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for the stated educational requirements.
• Interest in building a long-term career in the research and preclinical industry, with motivation to progress into more advanced technical roles.

Work Environment

This role is based in a surgical environment working directly with animals in a preclinical research facility. Surgical Technicians typically support approximately one to two procedures per day in dedicated surgical and catheterization suites equipped with anesthesia machines, autoclaves, fluoroscopy, and 3D imaging systems. The position requires frequent lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds with assistance. The team regularly performs euthanasia as part of study protocols, and candidates must be comfortable working in this context. There are also opportunities to work with human cadavers on a voluntary basis; participation in this aspect is optional. The work setting emphasizes cleanliness, organization, adherence to SOPs and GLP where applicable, and collaboration with cross-functional research teams. The environment supports professional development, with opportunities to grow into higher-level technician roles and to cross-train in other departments once established in the position.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.