"Veterinary Technician III"

The veterinary technician will assist members of the veterinary staff, research staff, and animal care staff in providing exceptional care for laboratory animals in Rice University’s growing animal care and use program. The veterinary technician will aid in all aspects of the animal care program serving as a liaison between different stakeholder groups including researchers and animal care staff. The veterinary technician will also serve as a primary resource to provide training to various members of the animal care and use program.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc., in a professional collegial manner with Rice staff members.

This position is a full-time on-campus position, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University Campus.

Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and three or more years of experience related to animal handling, methods of blood collection, substance administration, anesthesiology, and euthanasia.

Skills: Ability to work independently when needed, experience conducting diagnostic tests, ability to work with many various laboratory animal species, and basic computer skills within Microsoft Suite.

Preferences: Associate’s degree in a veterinary related field, Licensed veterinary technician (LVT), AALAS certification at ALAT or above, experience working with various animals in a research setting, prior experience providing training in numerous veterinary procedures, understanding of the scientific process including aspects of protocol and study design, and understanding compliance pertaining to animal care and use in a research environment.

Essential Functions: Works independently to provide veterinary care for laboratory animals under the direction of staff veterinarians; provides direct assistance to members of the animal program in the diagnosis and treatment of laboratory animals; develops and provides training to research and animal care staff; provides complex and technical support to veterinary and research staff; actively supports laboratory animal health monitoring programs and maintains animal records; maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment; serves as a liaison between veterinary, research, and animal care personnel; works with veterinary and animal care staff to provide consistent care on weekends, holidays, and during emergencies; learns to use new research equipment and becomes a primary trainer; performs all other duties as assigned.