Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician I

Texas Biomedical Research Institute • San Antonio, TX

116d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician in the ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 will provide general care, husbandry, and handling of the animals. May assist with select procedures in support of immunogenicity and efficacy studies. Assist with documentation of data and perform other duties as detailed in job description, or other duties as assigned.

The Role:
Ability to understand and practice all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), training manuals, and Biosafety and Operation Manuals.
Must be willing and able to work in ABSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 facilities while wearing applicable protective clothing such as; positive pressure suits, power air purifying respirators, and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to obtain and maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval, and CDC Select Agent Program approval. This includes initial and periodic drug screenings.
Ability to withstand continuous standing and walking on hard floor surfaces.
Technician(s) work prolonged periods in auditory and physical isolation while inside containment laboratory.
Handling and restraint of multiple laboratory animal species used in biomedical research.
Assist with project support procedures such as follows:
Health monitoring/assessment of animals.
Appropriate sample collection/processing on multiple species used in biomedical research.
Performing blood analysis using various benchtop equipment.
Provide and/or prepare medications and/or treatments as needed
Prepare animals for pathological evaluation, performs euthanasia, and verifies death.
Provide support to pathologist during necropsy or tissue collection.
Ability to communicate effectively with fellow technicians, the Veterinarian, Study Director, and/or PI.
General maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment used for project support.
Cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of lab equipment.
Maintain clinical and research support areas.
Assist with in vitro work and equipment to include:
Proper aliquoting and pipetting technique
Proper use of centrifuge
Ability to operate autoclave and verify sterility
Accurate written and computerized record keeping of all husbandry and procedures performed.
Performs quality review of laboratory records for completeness and accuracy

Requirements

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
• Two or more years of job specific experience or in some circumstances advanced degrees/certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Must have valid driver’s license and meet Texas Biomed driving standards.

Nice To Haves

• AALAS (ALAT, LAT, or LATg) certification.
• Sixty (60) hours from accredited college or university or an Associate’s Degree or graduate of AVMA accredited veterinary technician program or Military Occupational School (MOS 68T – Animal Care Specialist).
• Previous biomedical research experience working with Non-Human Primates (NHP’s) or other laboratory animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide general care, husbandry, and handling of animals in ABSL-3 and ABSL-4.
• Assist with select procedures in support of immunogenicity and efficacy studies.
• Assist with documentation of data.
• Understand and practice all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), training manuals, and Biosafety and Operation Manuals.
• Work in ABSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 facilities while wearing applicable protective clothing such as; positive pressure suits, power air purifying respirators, and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment for prolonged periods of time.
• Obtain and maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval, and CDC Select Agent Program approval.
• Withstand continuous standing and walking on hard floor surfaces.
• Work prolonged periods in auditory and physical isolation while inside containment laboratory.
• Handle and restrain multiple laboratory animal species used in biomedical research.
• Assist with project support procedures including health monitoring/assessment of animals.
• Perform appropriate sample collection/processing on multiple species used in biomedical research.
• Perform blood analysis using various benchtop equipment.
• Provide and/or prepare medications and/or treatments as needed.
• Prepare animals for pathological evaluation, perform euthanasia, and verify death.
• Provide support to pathologist during necropsy or tissue collection.
• Communicate effectively with fellow technicians, the Veterinarian, Study Director, and/or PI.
• Perform general maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment used for project support.
• Clean, decontaminate, and sterilize lab equipment.
• Maintain clinical and research support areas.
• Assist with in vitro work and equipment, including proper aliquoting and pipetting technique, proper use of centrifuge, and ability to operate autoclave and verify sterility.
• Maintain accurate written and computerized records of all husbandry and procedures performed.
• Perform quality review of laboratory records for completeness and accuracy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your family (including your pets!).
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 7% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (last week of December until New Year’s).
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and paid prescription drug resources to support your health.
• On-site gym and wellness programs to help you stay active.
• Flexible work arrangements designed to support work-life balance.
• Relaxed dress code.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to help you grow.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED