Veterinary Technician

The Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) group at Princeton University is a centralized administrative department reporting to the Dean for Research and is responsible for animal and veterinary care of all research animals at Princeton University. The Veterinary Technician provides support to all Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) Facilities. This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Veterinary Services.

 Veterinary Technicians are considered essential services staff. Essential services staff performs jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled or unscheduled work closures due to emergencies, events or other situations.

The position requires that the individual is willing and able to work with all species of laboratory animals, BSL-1 or BSL-2 level infectious agents, hazardous chemicals and radiation and use all appropriate safety measures in working with those agents.

Veterinary Technicians have weekend and holiday on-call duties. Must be within a 1-hour radius of the Princeton University campus when on-call to respond to animal emergencies. The position also requires that an individual is able to lift 50lb.

Clinical rounds and treatments:
• Performs regularly scheduled rounds of all LAR facilities.
• Maintain records and performs the appropriate treatment for sick animals under the direction of the staff veterinarian, including treatments to be provided on weekends.
• Provides curative and experimental treatments to laboratory animals as prescribed by researchers and/or the LAR veterinarians.
• Assists in coordinating treatment schedules and participates in the delivery of timely treatments as needed, including off hours and on weekends.
• Develops, documents and, as needed, provides the environmental enrichment programs for laboratory animals.
• Administers the dispensing and documentation of controlled drugs under the direct supervision of the attending veterinarian and according to state and federal guidelines.
• Maintains a reasonable stock of drugs and supplies used in the appropriate care of laboratory animals.

Documentation, audits, and regulatory compliance:
• Monitors mandatory documentation maintained by researchers (e.g., post-operative monitoring, regular weighing for animals on water restriction) for the attending veterinarian.
• Responsible for the oversight of procedural spaces to make sure all calibrations and maintenance is performed and documented.
• Schedule regular maintenance of veterinary equipment, to ensure that equipment is functioning properly and to remain in compliance with regulations and guidelines.
• Ensures, that drugs and supplies are not out of date. Assists LAR Management with performing monthly audits of LAR facilities.
• Ensures that appropriate safety protocols are followed when hazardous materials are used in connection with research animals.

Other duties as assigned:
• Cross trains and provides absentee support for other veterinary technicians in other LAR facilities. • • Rotates with other veterinary technicians for week night, weekend and holiday coverage as needed. • Enters data accurately and timely into the electronic management systems, order and service request forms, veterinary logs, vivarium calendar, and time reporting system.
• Perform Special Service Requests, as directed by management, provide technical skills training to the research community in support of IACUC-approved research protocols (e.g., animal handling and restraint, etc.)
• Exhibit a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and increase knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ESSENTIAL Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• BA/BS in Animal Science or related field and/or
  • Veterinary Technology Degree from an AVMA accredited school and/or:
  - AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist Level
  - Minimum 2-3 years’ experience working with laboratory animals in a responsibility described above.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a laboratory animal resources team and ability to share knowledge with other animal care staff, students, and new researchers.
  • Ability to work independently and communicate well with different levels within the organization, and work well with a diverse team for a common goal consistent with the mission of the Laboratory Animal Resources Department.
  • Willing and able to work safely with biological and chemical hazards and able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) lbs., stand or walk continuously up to 6 hours per day, sit for up to 2 hours per day.
  • Basic knowledge of biology and behavior of laboratory animal species.
  • Ability to follow-up tasks from beginning to completion and carry out duties in accordance to supervisor deadlines and university policies.
  • Preserve confidential information and not disclose contents of this information except in the performance of the work assignment and in accordance with University and departmental policies and procedures.
  • The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check.

PREFERRED Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Experience, and Other Education

• Ability to handle assignments and changing priorities as circumstances may dictate.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate well person to person as well as email.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office Applications including Outlook and other software applications used in animal research.
  • Proficient knowledge of federal, state and local Animal Welfare legislation and sound judgment how to balance optimal animal care, research goals, and regulatory compliance.
  • Must achieve ALAT certification within the first year of employment and keep current through ongoing professional development in animal husbandry, equipment, caging, and related topics in laboratory animal science through active participation in local and national professional associations.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.