Research Technician, Large Animal Clinical Sciences: College of Veterinary Medicine

Research Technician, Large Animal Clinical Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for a Research Technician position. The primary purpose of this position is to assist in the implementation of research projects designed by faculty of the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. The purpose of this position is two-fold: to assist with all aspects of research, including basic bench top laboratory techniques, and to provide assistance with large animal research studies within the large animal research program, including study execution, animal care and use protocol development, oversight of animal welfare, coordinating logistics, performing examinations, administering treatments, and supporting medical procedures. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents, specifically on basic laboratory techniques, how to care for animal patients, and how to perform basic procedures.

Qualifications:

Typical Responsibilities

Research Project Execution: Conducts and assists in research projects for the faculty of the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department; collecting, storing and analyzing animal specimens using techniques including but not limited to: ELISA and other biochemical laboratory techniques; independently performing specimen collection, preparation and laboratory techniques; preparing and shipping samples for analysis at external laboratories; assisting in the preparation of manuscripts, grants and presentations; data management, analysis, and summarization. Assists in all aspects of research, including supporting medical procedures. Regularly communicates with Principal Investigator. Enters charges on research accounts. Research patients may include horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, llamas, alpacas, and pigs.

Animal Research Assistance: Provides basic nursing care for research patients, including assisting on developing and execution of animal care and use protocols, overseeing animal welfare, performing examinations, administering basic treatments, and providing support for medical procedures. Records medical histories and observations. Regularly communicates with Principal Investigator. Enters charges on research accounts. Research patients may include horses, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, llamas, alpacas, and pigs. Operates more independently than a Tech I. Collaborates with others to ensure quality patient care is received. Trains new employees. Ensures protocol is followed for isolation cases to increase biosecurity and patient welfare. Manages supplies, equipment, and inventory. Organizes products, maintains equipment, and orders supplies.

Assists students, interns, and residents in learning techniques applicable to their research projects, including but not limited to ELISA and other biochemical laboratory techniques. Supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents in the proper way to care for animal patients and how to perform procedures.

Maintains laboratory along with equipment and supplies; keeps records necessary for laboratory training and safety. Manages research data.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

Knowledge of research processes and animal care. Ability to pay close attention to detail and work independently and as a member of a team to complete projects on time. Strong organizational and record keeping skills. Effective communication skills, judgment, and decision-making skills. Good time management skills. Ability to lift, assist, and transport patients. Ability to train and mentor junior staff. Knowledge of basic research techniques, including ELISA and other biochemical laboratory techniques. Ability to learn and use new commercially available kits, new procedures or protocols, tools and equipment as required. Ability to maintain accurate records and write comprehensive reports. Ability to organize, analyze, and summarize raw data using standard software formats (e.g. Excel, Word, and Powerpoint).

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, Medical Technology, or related field. Two years of related experience, including 1 year in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience managing a laboratory space. Ability to trouble shoot experiments independently. Scientific writing ability.