Summary

Veterinary Technician IV for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; under the direction of the Institute Veterinarians. The Research Specialist IV must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary science and technology (e.g. first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical support, treatment, nursing care, and examination), as well as have experience with a wide variety of laboratory animal species. The candidate should have a high level of technical expertise in anesthesia and surgical support, including anesthesia monitoring, surgical (sterile prep and surgical scrub) preparation and surgical assistance. The ideal candidate will have experience in behavioral studies and handling of nonhuman primates, rodents, and technical experience in using computers and computer software to conduct research studies.

Requirements

Candidate must have minimum of 3 years’ experience in laboratory animal research environment and eligible for certification at the AALAS LATG level or B.S. degree or Associate degree in Veterinary Science. Candidates should have knowledge of operational principles behind techniques and procedures used.  Accurate data/ sample collection, accurate and timely record keeping, and data processing. Critical thinking skills. Knowledge of math and statistics through education or demonstrated experience. Good English, oral and written, communication skills are required. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.  Must be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary and maintain harmonious client and team relationships.  Must be available to work early mornings, evenings and weekends when necessary.

Duties

 The responsibilities of the ICD technician shall include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides surgical support to include instrument preparation and sterilization, animal preparation, sterile and non-sterile scrub assistance for the support of aseptic surgeries,
• Provides anesthesia support to include induction, maintenance and recovery of animals for surgery, MRI scans, Pet scans,
• Responsible for technical, clinical and surgical support,
• Performs routine animal health surveillance and assessment,
• Performs routine veterinary care, treatments and support as prescribed by a Veterinarian,
• Provides diagnostic support to include sample collection, preparation and analysis, (Dentistry, Hematology, Histology, Parasitological, Urology, Radiology and TB testing),
• Establishes ordering levels, maintains logbooks and inventory of drugs and surgical supplies,
• Provides routine preventive maintenance for all surgical support equipment,
• Respond to animal and facility emergencies,
• Assist in NHLBI environmental enrichment program,
• Responsible for wearing proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and showering when necessary,
• Any duties or task as delegated from contract or government management.

Hours:

  Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements. 

Physical Requirements:

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.