"Veterinary Assistant"

To work with and support licensed veterinary technicians to provide and help coordinate the medical care of research animals within the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM); to serve as a liaison between the veterinary team, husbandry team, and research laboratory personnel; and to maintain complete and accurate medical records

• Perform ongoing medical care for rodents being managed by veterinary technician team through rechecks, including communication with research staff, requires direct handling of animals.
• Assist licensed veterinary technicians with tasks involving USDA-regulated species
• Maintaining animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory agency guidelines
• Attending and actively participating in team meetings and clinical rounds
• Understand and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance Standards, and Standard of Care (SOC) practices
• Assist in administrative tasks such as inventory, creating labels and acetates, filing records, creating forms
• Assist with isoflurane vaporizer rental program
• Other duties as assigned

Ability to function independently and positively in a team setting

Ability to communicate and work effectively and professionally with internal and external customers

Position is considered critical staff under University Reduced Operations definition

This position requires considerable use of arms and legs and activities such twisting, standing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, restraining animals as heavy as up to 200lbs, or pushing transport cages more than 350 lbs.

Must be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time

High School diploma and up to 1 year of paid animal experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, education, or experience providing animal care 

Ability to work independently as needed while still working courteously and effectively with others.

Ability and willingness to work with many species including but not limited to mice, rats, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, cattle

Basic computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and e-mails)

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Some knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care and laboratory activities

Some knowledge of animal research

Some knowledge of the principles of medical asepsis

Experience working with rodents is highly desirable 

Animal experience at a veterinary clinic, farm, pet shop, zoo, animal rehabilitation center, or through animal-related course work, etc.