Job Title: Veterinary Surgery TechnicianJob Description

The veterinary surgery technician will function as an assistant in the research lab, participating in the preparation and execution of large animal surgical experiments and follow-up care. Utilizing knowledge of surgical research laboratory skills, procedures, and practices, the technician will be responsible for setting up animal surgeries, preparing linen and instrument packs, understanding sterile techniques, and being familiar with surgical instruments and supplies. The role also involves minor procedures such as intubation, venipuncture, and placing arterial and venous access lines in large animals. Additionally, the technician will draft animal protocols and health, safety, and environment documents and maintain appropriate logs of animal procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare animals for imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and/or surgery by manual restraint, pre-anesthetic administration, IV placement, intubation, clipping and scrubbing animals, anesthetic administration, and monitoring.

• Prepare tissue, blood, and urine samples for submission and shipping to third-party labs for evaluation.

• Place central arterial and venous access lines.

• Act as the operating room nurse, surgical assistant, or anesthetist.

• Provide post-operative care including pain management, cleaning, and animal comfort.

• Set up and break down surgical & imaging facilities including cleaning and disinfecting the suite and cleaning, packing, and sterilizing instruments.

• Prevent and treat anesthetic emergencies, perform mechanical ventilation, and CPR.

• Endotracheal intubation of difficult species including birds, rabbits, and other small animals.

• Serve as an operative room assistant including basic operation of imaging equipment (X-ray fluoroscopy and MRI), physiologic monitors, and anesthesia machines.

• Maintain all clinical and surgical equipment including x-ray and anesthesia machines, ECG, cautery, autoclaves, etc.

• Perform intake and discharge of veterinary clinical cases.

• Provide communication with referring veterinarians, clients, faculty, staff, and security personnel.

• Assist with lifting companion animals weighing 50-100 pounds.

• Assist investigators in various research protocols, including maintaining animals under anesthesia while performing imaging scans and other varied research studies.

• Assist with the collection of tissues for histopathology, submission of tissues for processing, and limited histopathological staining.

• Draft animal protocols and health, safety, and environment documents pertaining to the laboratory.

• Maintain inventory and supplies used in the lab.

• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of laboratories.

• Maintain logs that adhere to standards for JHU, JHMI, USDA, and NIH policies.

• Administer medication for treatment through multiple routes including oral and parenteral.

• Obtain samples from multiple species including but not limited to blood, urine, feces, and lavage fluids.

• Perform health maintenance for dogs, cats, pigs, and other animals.

• Train investigators, fellows, and technical staff to perform various technical procedures.

• Train personnel in routine clinical care, daily maintenance of animals under medical treatment, maintenance and monitoring animals during all phases of anesthesia, including proper dosage and proper route of anesthesia for a variety of species.

• Stock pharmacy with veterinary supplies and drugs.

• Keep controlled substance log and perform quarterly inventory of controlled substances.

• Order supplies and equipment for imaging, surgery, and animal health care.

• Develop standard operating procedures.

• Maintain anesthesia log books, clinical trial log books, and electronic records.

• Schedule imaging/surgery and technical service procedures.

• Prepare bills for services provided.

Essential Skills

• Anesthesia

• Companion Animals

• Veterinary tech

• Animal science

• Animal handling

• Animal research

• Animal surgery

• Recovery

• Veterinary hospital

• Animal husbandry

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in veterinary technology and some related experience required. Additional experience may substitute for required education.

• Non-degreed or unlicensed individuals with at least 3 years’ experience in a veterinary practice or animal research facility may be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Certified veterinary technician preferred.

Work Environment

This role is based in the Center for Image-Guided Animal Therapy, primarily dealing with companion animals such as cats and dogs. The work environment includes the use of imaging equipment like X-ray fluoroscopy and MRI, and maintaining clinical and surgical equipment. The position involves handling and lifting companion animals and working in a facility that emphasizes cleanliness and organization.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent

• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.