Senior Veterinary Technician

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Technician assists the Department of Comparative Medicine in maintaining the health status of research animals and supports SLU research endeavors through technical support. This position involves working with biological and chemical hazards on a routine basis. Radiation hazards are limited, but possible. This position directly supports the research community at SLU by maintaining research animal health.

JOB DUTIES:

Animal Health

• Perform cage side and physical examination of laboratory animals to identify health concerns.

• Record health concerns and maintain records according to institutional, local, and federal regulations.

• Perform veterinary treatments as directed by a veterinarian.

• Perform daily post-operative health rounds of animals.

• Perform euthanasia of various laboratory animals consistent with approved Protocols and AVMA recommendations.

• Maintain commonly used medications and supplies within each vivarium.

• Maintain sanitation and organize/stock specialized vivarium rooms.

• Rodent Import/Export Coordination under the direction of a veterinarian.

Research Animal Support

• Provide recommendations to researchers regarding animal health and the potential impact on their research

• Provide technical assistance to laboratories.

• Maintain a training colony and manage transfers to researchers.

• Support the animal enrichment program.

• Assist veterinarians with the Program of Veterinary Care.

• Assist veterinarians with adherence to applicable regulations.

• Adhere to room history sheet assignments.

Surgical and Pharmacy Support

• Assist with surgery, including preoperative and postoperative support.

• Provide anesthesia support.

• Prepare operating room, including instruments and supplies.

• Stock pharmacy and distribute pharmacy items to research personnel, as approved.

• Comply with state and local regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand for long periods, bend, and pick up items above head and below knees.

• Must be able to work in ABSL1, ABLS2, ABSL3 and Select Agent (SA) environments.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Working knowledge of computer software (Excel, Word, PPT)

• Ability to record medical assessments using appropriate medical terminology.

• Ability to accurately describe animal health concerns and recommendations to all levels of research personnel.

• Ability to make fact-based decisions, acknowledge limitations, work independently, and multi-task under stressful conditions.

• Ability to triage animal health concerns accurately and manage large clinical caseloads.

• Perform indicated treatments at the direction of a veterinarian.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT, RVT).

Minimum 3 years of veterinary technician experience

Ability to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required.

Competency in anesthetic monitoring of common laboratory animal species.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree.

AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATg).

Minimum 3 years of experience in laboratory animal research.

Proficiency in standard technical procedures in common laboratory animal species.

Technical expertise in standard experimental techniques for common laboratory animal species.

Technical skills for experimental manipulation of all species and the ability to train others in these techniques.

Ability to perform and train laboratory personnel in basic in vivo research techniques.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.