Large Animal Veterinary Technician

Department
BSD ARC-SRF - Animal Resource Center & Office of Shared Research Facilities
About the Department
The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit recently merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.
Job Summary
The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others.
Under supervision from the Director of Large Animal Clinical Services, provides surgical and post-op care to research animals, assisting veterinary staff and investigative groups. Performs routine observations, health rounds, treatments, psychological well-being and enrichment and assures completion of all medical records (USDA) for Large Animals. Participates in the maintenance of the surgical clinic, sanitation, equipment and supply inventory and training of principal investigator groups on specialized procedures.
Responsibilities

• Coordinates and performs all clinical/surgical activities, including scheduling use of facilities, equipment and clinical treatment areas and work assignments. Includes pre- operative care, anesthesia and anesthesia monitoring, manages vital sign parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate (+/- mechanical ventilation), SPO2, EtCO2, InCO2, body temperature, and blood pressure (both invasive and non-invasive)and post-operative care of Large Animal species.
• Ensures completion of daily health observations and initiates new cases for clinical veterinarians. Performs daily psychological well-being activities and provides daily enrichment.
• Schedules anticipated yearly activities for all species (e.g. TB testing, dental procedures of primates).
• Coordinates dates for lab testing and assigns sample collection. Initiates case treatments or pre-operative preparation in emergency situations.
• Completes all required medical records, billing records, equipment maintenance records, and other regulatory records required by veterinarians.
• Maintains the operating room, performs minor surgeries, fluoroscopic procedures, and major surgery under the supervision of the veterinary staff or qualified laboratory personnel. May move to solo surgery pending enough training.
• Provides anesthetic and peri-operative support and monitors post-operative recovery of animals undergoing surgery.
• Maintains medical records for USDA covered species and maintains inventory of supplies to facilitate current and upcoming studies.
• Manages all inventory of the clinic, including purchasing, stocking, recordkeeping, and removing outdated supplies, purchases and recharges medications, surgical supplies, and other needs for labs across campus (rodent and Large Animal alike), maintains and reconciles DEA controlled substance records, prepares clinic area for inspections, such as AAALAC, USDA, and IACUC and ensures all regulations are being met.
• Participates in clinic daily Readiness/5S/MDI, prepares daily readiness board, completed 5S procedures in multiple working spaces in the surgical clinic area.
• Schedules veterinary procedures and resident training labs for Large Animal users in a way that allows for research to be accomplished in a timely manner while also ensuring adequate staffing.
• Prepares and presents posters and platform sessions at the National AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science) convention, as well as lecturing at CBAALAS.
• Coordinates shipping and receiving of various species, including rhesus macaques, marmosets, capuchins, ferrets, swine, and canines.
• Advises and assists in instructing investigators and research staff in animal handling and technical procedures.
• Teaches and trains new lab members how to make meaningful medical record entries, as well as perform intramuscular injections, and aseptic surgical technique, trains and manages veterinary interns and residents, assists in teaching nurses and residents during training labs (e.g. ferret intubation).
• May assist in the general upkeep of the clinic when assigned or needed.
• Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime and holidays as required.
• Under guidance and direction, analyzes clinical samples and specimens and reports results. Prepares specimens for examination, and looks for abnormalities using automated equipment, and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously.
• Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology (Certified Veterinary Technician in Illinois preferred but other states acceptable).

Experience:

• Surgical or anesthesia experience.
• Previous animal research related experience including animal husbandry and medically oriented animal care experience.
• Previous experience in an academic/biomedical research environment.

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification preferred or must obtain as part of career path.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively, oral and written, with faculty, investigators, administrators, staff and outside vendors.
• Ability to initiate problem solving and to prioritize tasks.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work as part of team, with ARC and BSD staff members.

Working Conditions

• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Requires 50% sitting and 50% standing and walking.

Applicant Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Frequency
Biweekly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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