"Veterinary Assistant"

Job Details

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Animal Care Facility

Duties & Responsibilities:

The primary role of this position is to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the veterinary care program of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). This position plays a critical role in assisting with the smooth operation of the veterinary services. The candidate will work directly with the staff veterinarians and veterinary technicians, provide restraint of laboratory animals for physical examinations, assist with advanced diagnostic procedures, such as radiology and diagnostic specimen collection. Additional responsibilities include supporting hands-on training classes, administering medications and providing surgical support as needed. The candidate must be able to recognize signs of disease and distress in a wide variety of species and report health conditions or behavior. The candidate will assist technicians managing delegated DAR-maintained spaces, such as the surgical suites, procedural/training spaces, and equipment, including responsibilities like scheduling, cleaning, restocking and maintenance of equipment. Administrative duties include maintaining the veterinary services calendar, scheduling training programs, recordkeeping, billing, data entry, and direct communication with researchers for scheduling, training, or compliance issues. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills, along with a basic understanding of animal research. In return, the department will provide training in all required techniques and offer a supportive working environment. While the duties are performed primarily during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, the candidate will also participate in a rotating University holiday schedule, assigned in advance.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• The incumbent must have several years of recent experience working with laboratory animals in a research animal facility or multiple species in clinical practice.
• Must have knowledge and skills in: humanely handling and restraining of animals, recognizing signs of disease and distress in a wide variety of species.
• Knowledge of administering medications
• Ability to listen and communicate professionally and effectively on the phone, in person and by email.
• Skills in dealing with individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds.
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to work accurately and with detail to complete tasks in an orderly and timely fashion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associates Degree
• American Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences certification
• Knowledge of both rodent and large animal restraint or techniques is preferred
• Experience with surgical instruments/pack preparation
• Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency laws, policies and procedures relating to laboratory animal husbandry to retain accreditation

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information: Contact Name: Niki Boyd
Contact Email: tsboyd@vcu.edu