Senior Animal Research Support Specialist

SHIFT:
Day (United States of America)
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A Brief Overview
Under general direction of the Animal Research Support Specialist Supervisor and the DVR veterinarians s/he performs a variety of specialized and complex medical treatments, research procedures, data collection and minor surgical procedures. This position serves as the department's primary liaison for investigator Research Support needs in the current expanding research program. The incumbent uses independent judgement in assessing the need for veterinary intervention. Works with the Research Support Specialist Supervisor to plan and coordinate research and veterinary medical procedures. Demonstrates and trains others in proper techniques and use of equipment. Monitors animals for illness or injury. Contributes to the maintenance of facility compliance and federal animal and research regulations. Maintains animal records and inventory. Assists in capture and restraint of animals. Trains new veterinary and/or animal care technicians. As a technical specialist, consistently produces quality work while demonstrating exceptional ability or knowledge in areas such as interventional/preventative veterinary medical care, anesthesiology, quarantine and health surveillance. Performs other related duties as required.
What you will do

• Research Support
• Advise investigators and program staff regarding procedural issues
• Ensure necessary resources, supplies, animals and rooms are available for studies
• Maintain surgical facilities
• Collect and record experimental data for procedures
• Provide anesthesia support, postoperative care and monitoring
• Observe animals and report abnormalities, sickness, and injury
• Maintains departmental medical records and inventory
• Assist in diagnostic and preventive procedures or treatment of animals
• Quality Assurance
• Oversee the coordination of animal procurement and receiving to ensure receipt of only disease free animals
• Conduct necropsies and collect biological samples for diagnostics to include parasitology, bacteriology, serology and histopathology
• Ensure compliance with IACUC protocols
• Training
• Interpret relevant policies and procedures for incoming investigators and staff
• Conduct training of research technicians, faculty, and Department of Veterinary Resources staff regarding utilization of research animals
• Identify training needs of research technicians and faculty utilizing research animals
• General Administrative
• Helps develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure accreditation and compliance with federal laws
• Maintains detailed animal health and diagnostic test records
• Maintains records in accordance with relevant agency guidelines to include the state of Pennsylvania, Public Health Service, the USDA, and AAALAC.
• Other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma / GED Required
• Associate's Degree Veterinary Technology Preferred

• At least five (5) years veterinary technician experience Required
• At least seven (7) years veterinary technician experience Preferred and
• At least five (5) years anesthesia/surgical support experience Preferred and
• laboratory animal environment Preferred

• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills
• Ability to achieve project objectives on multiple, complex projects running simultaneously
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to animal care/use in research

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) - upon hire - Preferred or
• Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) - upon hire - Preferred or
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) - upon hire - Preferred
• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - upon hire - Preferred or
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - upon hire - Preferred