Veterinary Technician

A Veterinary Technician in the Animal Resources Center (ARC) provides timely clinical care and management to a diverse population of lab animal species, under the supervision of veterinarians. Specialized clinical care and technical skills are utilized for administering treatments, collecting samples, managing databases, and performing minor surgeries in a herd health practice of medicine. Responsibilities include providing care during weekends and holidays on a rotational basis and could include overtime work. There is emphasis on daily contribution to a culture that fosters goodwill and teamwork with a central focus on responsible animal care. This is balanced with research support and partnership that align with our institution's mission of Finding Cures and Saving Children.

A Veterinary Technician in the Animal Resources Center (ARC) provides timely clinical care and management to a diverse population of lab animal species, under the supervision of veterinarians. Specialized clinical care and technical skills are utilized for administering treatments, collecting samples, managing databases, and performing minor surgeries in a herd health practice of medicine. Responsibilities include providing care during weekends and holidays on a rotational basis and could include overtime work. There is emphasis on daily contribution to a culture that fosters goodwill and teamwork with a central focus on responsible animal care. This is balanced with research support and partnership that align with our institution's mission of Finding Cures and Saving Children.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assess a large volume (20-30 cases/day) of laboratory animal species health cases within the research facility, primarily involving rodents. Handle and restrain animals to examine and observe health problems.
• Document abnormal animal health conditions and/or behaviors to researchers with a recommended treatment plan.
• Recognize subtle differences in normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Follow disease algorithms to institute appropriate treatment.
• Triage emergency health conditions.
• Perform euthanasia and necropsy procedures.
• Read animal research protocols and understand humane endpoints between and within labs.
• Maintain appropriate animal medical records (both paper and digital).
• Participate in weekly clinical rounds by recognizing unusual presentations of health conditions and alerting an ARC Veterinarian.
• Contribute to studies and projects to meet the goals of the department and institution, such as developing novel treatment modalities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• High school diploma or GED required
• An Associate or Bachelor's degree in an animal science or related field preferred

Minimum Experience:

• Six (6) years of direct clinical animal experience in an animal care setting (private practice, zoo, research) is required
• Three (3) years may be acceptable with a relevant Associate's degree
• No experience is required if the necessary basic skills, knowledge and principles of laboratory animal science have been acquired through the completion of a relevant Bachelor's degree

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:

• None

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:

• (LC:ALAT) American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level required within 18 months of hire
• Certified, registered, or licensed Veterinary Technician preferred (CVT, RVT, or LVT)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.