Veterinary Technician-Regional Biocontainment Lab

University of Tennessee, Knoxville   Memphis, TN   Full-time     Veterinary
Posted on April 11, 2024
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Market Range: 05

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Veterinary Technician provides technical support to investigators and clients using animals for laboratory research in the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) and provides proper medical care to laboratory research animals. This position also works in conjunction with the RBL study planning team to design, execute, and evaluate animal study protocols and results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Assesses sick, injured, and behaviorally abnormal animals.
  2. Masters and operates advanced imaging equipment (e.g., IVIS, Ultrasound, CT, etc.); obtains and collaborates with staff to assess data.
  3. Performs research support techniques for RBL investigators (e.g., necropsy, blood collection, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and oral gavage dosing.)
  4. Creates clinical score sheet for new animal models of infectious diseases, and uses score sheets to assess and score animals on the study in monitoring for signs and euthanasia endpoints.
  5. Develops, plans, implements, and monitors extra environmental enrichment for animals with behavioral abnormalities.
  6. Autoclaves or sterilize surgical or experimental equipment.
  7. Creates and maintains medical records for USDA-covered species within the RBL and updates data log sheets as stipulated for research studies.
  8. Generates and reports data obtained from all in-vivo procedures and provides insight into data.
  9. Records observations, procedures, treatments, and patient care in the medical records in an organized and consistent manner; manages ACIM Vet Care Module clinical recordkeeping system.
  10. Sets up procedure rooms ensuring proper equipment and supplies are present for planned procedures.
  11. Leads or supports the development of new animal models and associated SOPs and protocols; contributes to manuscripts and reports (independent research engagement).
  12. Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications :

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Veterinary technician certification OR an Associate’s Degree in a related field of study. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience assisting in a veterinary practice or working in the care of animals OR five (5) years of experience assisting in a veterinary practice or working care of animals will be considered in lieu of education.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Current Tennessee license as a veterinary technician, and/or AALAS certification level of Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg) is required after one year of employment or at the time of eligibility, whichever comes first. (PROOF OF LICENSE REQUIRED)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g., Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Research Technicians, Principal Investigators).
  • Knowledge of animal husbandry standards, regulatory guidelines, requirements, and common standard operating procedures.
  • Willingness to be trained and work in BSL3 containment, procedures, and practices.
  • Must maintain Department of Justice Clearance to work at the RBL. (This is not a license or certification, but a background check by DOJ).

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Memphis , TN