"Veterinary Technician, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery"

Job Overview

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the UC College of Medicine has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improve the health and clinical care of patients.

The Department of Surgery is looking for a Research Assistant to assist with the coordination of laboratory projects or research studies in a particular discipline. The Research Assistant/Veterinary Surgical Technician will serve as an experienced surgical specialist supporting advanced rodent procedures and large animal models focusing on traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. This position requires conducting research under the general direction of multiple primary investigators and surgical residents, assist other laboratory personnel when needed, communicating directly to the lab manager and PIs when necessary, and actively assist in experiments in a collaborative manner. This role requires expertise in laboratory animal surgery, perioperative care, and project coordination. Expectations include independent performance of moderately complex research and experimentation following established protocols ensuring compliance with LAMS, IACUC, and AAALAC standards while advancing departmental research goals.

This position is not eligible for J1 or H1B visa sponsorship.

Essential Functions

• Assess health and well-being of all species; perform the following: appropriate housing, handling, and restraint techniques; venipuncture and diagnostic laboratory procedures; administration of drugs/substances; euthanasia.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia; troubleshoot anesthetic complications; prepare animals for aseptic surgery; maintain drug and product inventory; assist during large animal surgery; perform rodent surgical procedures.
• Perform and assist in advanced surgical procedures on rodents and large animals.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique and accurate surgical documentation in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Provide perioperative care, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative recovery support.
• Specimen processing (necropsy and tissue harvesting)
• Prepare and present findings from animal health assessments, room rounds and IACUC protocol reviews. Prepare and maintain animal health records; process service requests and submit billing for services; assist with development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines; interpret information from IACUC protocols.
• Provide training for LAMS and research staff, report animal and personnel issues and concerns to the appropriate level.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and maintenance.
• Participate in an on-call rotation.
• Maintain and sanitize equipment, instruments, and surgical room.
• Work collaboratively with others.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

Required Trainings/Certifications

Passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE); AALAS Certification.

Required Experience

Experience as a veterinary technician in a teaching, research, or clinical setting.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, or LVT) is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree with five (5) years’ experience -OR- Associate's degree with seven (7) years’ experience. Degree must be in Veterinary Technology, Biological Sciences, or related field. Experience must be related to research.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory animal surgery, with demonstrated expertise in rodent procedures. Large animal experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Bending - Often
• Can sit for long duration of time
• Can lift 20 pounds
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Hearing, listening - Often
• Kneeling, squatting - Often
• Lifting - over 50 pounds - Seldom
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Lifting - up to 50 pounds - Seldom
• Pulling, pushing - Seldom
• Reaching overhead - Seldom
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often
• Sitting - Often
• Standing - Often
• Stooping - Often
• Talking - Often
• Walking - Often

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities