In Vivo Research Associate - Small Animal Preclinical - Job ID: 254722

In Vivo Research Associate - Small Animal Preclinical Research

Location: Carlsbad, CA 92008

Job Type: Full-time, Contract-to-Hire (via Medix)

Salary: $25.00 - $35.00 / hour (Depending on experience)

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Requires flexibility for occasional early/late starts and potential rotation for 1 weekend per month)

Key Responsibilities

As an In Vivo Research Associate, you will support preclinical study execution in strict compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, study protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Dosing & Administration: Administer test substances to small animal models using multiple basic methods, including oral gavage, intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SQ), intraperitoneal (IP), and intramuscular (IM) injections.
• Animal Care & Handling: Handle, restrain, and provide daily care for all laboratory animal species on-site. Actively monitor animals for general health, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Surgical & Technical Procedures: Perform advanced in vivo procedures including catheter placements in small animals (mice, rats, rabbits), biopsies, skin excisions, necropsies, and tissue collection.
• Specimen Collection: Collect biological specimens (including blood from appropriate vessels) across various laboratory animal species.
• Quality Control & Documentation: Review study documentation to ensure all functions meet quality control requirements. Maintain meticulous, accurate records in internal laboratory databases.
• Study Setup & Prep: Complete critical pre-study activities, including collection tube labeling and experimental room setup.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface effectively with cross-functional teams, including the Study Director, Principal Investigator, QC/QA personnel, and account management teams.
• Lab Safety: Utilize aseptic techniques and maintain a clean, compliant laboratory environment.

Job Requirements

Required Skills & Experience:

• Animal Handling Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of hands-on experience handling small animals (mice, rats, rabbits) in preclinical research or veterinary settings.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate occasional early/late starts and a weekend rotation (approximately 1 weekend per month) as needed.

Preferred Skills & Experience (Nice to Have):

• Associates or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG).
• Prior Contract Research Organization (CRO) experience.
• In vivo ocular imaging experience (e.g., Slit Lamp operation) is a major plus.

Benefits & Perks (Through Medix)

• Competitive weekly pay with medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Dedicated recruiter support to guide you through the interview and onboarding process.
• Clear pathway to permanent, full-time employment with a premier life sciences company.