Prep & Recovery Technician

Surgical Preparation and Recovery Veterinary Technician Large Animal Research

This role performs surgical preparation and provides comprehensive perioperative care for large laboratory animals in support of interventional and surgical studies. You will work within a preclinical research environment, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), study protocols, and applicable GLP and non-GLP guidelines. The position focuses on preparing animals for surgery, monitoring them during anesthesia, and overseeing their initial post-operative recovery to ensure high standards of animal welfare and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Perform surgical preparation and provide care for laboratory animals during surgical preparation and recovery in support of interventional and surgical studies, in accordance with SOPs and study protocols.
• Apply GLP and non-GLP study guidelines as required, ensuring all activities align with regulatory and protocol requirements in a preclinical research environment.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and GLP regulations as they relate to preclinical research and specific study protocols.
• Prepare animals for surgery, including calculating anesthetic doses, performing sedation and induction, intubating animals, placing IV catheters, monitoring anesthesia, collecting specimens, and preparing surgical sites.
• Monitor animals during the initial post-operative critical recovery phase, especially during the first day following surgery, to ensure safe and humane recovery from anesthesia.
• Perform and document temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) measurements, and conduct auscultation of the heart and lungs during post-operative monitoring.
• Assess pain levels at incision sites, change wound dressings, and administer prescribed medications to support effective pain management and recovery.
• Monitor and chart physiological data during surgical preparation and recovery, and accurately document medication administration and other clinical observations.
• Dispense medications as directed by veterinarians and in accordance with protocol specifications, ensuring proper dosing and documentation.
• Collect and process laboratory samples, including blood, fecal, and urine specimens, following established procedures and timelines.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with veterinary staff, supervisors, and study directors regarding the medical status of animals and their recovery progress.
• Operate, clean, and maintain gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and other routinely used surgical equipment to ensure proper function and compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain an efficient and clean work area by organizing surgical preparation and recovery spaces and adhering to aseptic and safety practices.
• Collaborate closely with Large Animal Research Technicians and Surgical Technicians, coordinating responsibilities to support each study's surgical and recovery procedures.
• Assist with other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the large animal operations and research studies.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated animal handling experience, particularly with large animals such as pigs, sheep, or dogs.
• Hands-on technical experience with anesthesia, including sedation, induction, intubation, IV catheter placement, and anesthesia monitoring.
• Experience in animal recovery, including monitoring animals during the immediate post-operative period and managing pain and wound care.
• Ability to perform and interpret basic clinical assessments, including TPRs and auscultation of heart and lungs.
• Proficiency in collecting and processing laboratory samples such as blood, fecal, and urine specimens.
• Ability to accurately document clinical observations, physiological data, and medication administration in accordance with SOPs and study protocols.
• Working knowledge of GLP regulations and their application in a preclinical research environment, or willingness to learn and apply these standards.
• Competence in operating, cleaning, and maintaining gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and related surgical equipment.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with veterinary staff, supervisors, and study directors regarding animal status and recovery.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, biology, animal science, or a closely related animal science field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical, hands-on experience performing duties similar to those described, in a veterinary, research, or animal care setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential is preferred and considered a strong asset.
• ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification is preferred and beneficial for growth in the research environment.
• Background in animal science, zoology, veterinary studies, biology, animal husbandry, or animal health.
• Prior experience in animal research or preclinical studies is advantageous.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that includes Large Animal Research Technicians and Surgical Technicians.
• Flexibility to cross-train in different departments over time as proficiency in the primary role is established.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and adherence to SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Motivation to build a long-term career in the research and preclinical industry, with interest in progressing to more advanced technical roles (e.g., Tech II, Tech III).

Work Environment

This position is part of a Large Animal Operations group working with species such as pigs, sheep, and dogs in a preclinical research setting. The role centers on preparing animals for surgery and providing close monitoring and care during the first phase of recovery as they wake from anesthesia. You will work in a surgical and perioperative environment that uses gas anesthesia machines, autoclaves, and other specialized surgical and monitoring equipment. The work involves close collaboration with Large Animal Research Technicians and Surgical Technicians, with each role having defined responsibilities while working together on each study. The environment emphasizes adherence to SOPs, GLP and non-GLP guidelines, aseptic technique, and high standards of animal welfare. As experience is gained, there are opportunities for cross-training in other departments and progression into more advanced technical levels, supporting long-term career growth in the research and preclinical industry.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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.

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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.