Animal Surgical Technician I

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/14

Maintains the operating room, performs minor surgeries, fluoroscopic procedures, and major surgery under the supervision of the veterinary staff or qualified laboratory personnel. Provides anesthetic and peri-operative support and monitors post-operative recovery of animals undergoing surgery. Maintains medical records for USDA covered species and maintains inventory of supplies to facilitate current and upcoming studies.

Please note: Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime and holidays as required. Must be able to read, write, and comprehend English to read signage and to read and update animal health records. The workspace may be small, non-private and close to other workstations where the noise level can be high. This position requires the individual to be available to work on either the Chicago or Evanston campus as coverage needs dictate.

Must be enrolled in the university's occupational health program which entails filling out a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is submitted to the university's occupational health provider for review. Must be willing to undergo job-related background check.

Specific Responsibilities :

Surgical Support

• Performs minor surgeries, vascular access procedures, fluoroscopic procedures and assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with major surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite for aseptic surgery. Administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids and monitors anesthesia and post-surgical recovery. Submits surgery billing statements to CCM business office on monthly basis for recharge to investigators (essential function for cost recovery).

Clinical Rounds

• Performs daily rounds to monitor postoperative and ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of cases. Performs physical examinations, makes treatment recommendations, performs treatments and consults with clinical veterinarians regarding post-operative care.

Environmental Enrichment

• Assists in preparing and providing environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals following the enrichment program. Assists in preparing and providing environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals following the enrichment program.

Colony Health Sentinel Program

• Performs necessary colony health management as required by the animal health program

Drugs, Supplies and Testing

• Dispenses and fills non-controlled drugs and supplies from the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments with an emphasis on the surgical suite. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Teaching/Training

• Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in basic surgical techniques and asepsis. Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in technical procedures such as intravenous injections, blood collection, intubation, catheterization, etc.

Regulatory

• Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Maintains technical familiarity with a wide range of clinical and experimental procedures for a variety of laboratory animal species. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.

Administrative

• Orders surgical supplies, completes anesthesia records, surgical reports and surgical recharge forms, tracks inventory, restocks the clinical areas, and performs other administrative tasks as required.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full-time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or completion of a 4-year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.

• A combined 4-years' experience as a veterinary, animal health or surgical technician with at least 1-years' experience as an animal health or surgical technician in a laboratory animal research facility.

• AALAS certified ALAT or equivalent combination of relevant work or education experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication.

• Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.

• Lab animal care

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science at the LAT level.

• Experience performing animal surgery

• Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least 1 state

• Experience as a veterinary technician in a clinical or high-volume research setting

• Experience in animal research

• Academy of Surgical Research Certification: SRA, SRT, or SRS

Target hiring range for this position will be between $32.00-$36.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

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