Research Technician I

Inotiv•Fort Collins, CO

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician is responsible for ensuring proper study conduct while maintaining animal well-being in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), applicable state and federal regulations, and veterinary-team guidelines. The role supports research studies involving animals and includes clinical observation, treatment administration, sample collection and processing, perioperative and postoperative care, surgical instrument processing, documentation, inventory support, and animal-facility upkeep. The technician must maintain accurate study records and comply with applicable safety, documentation, and regulatory requirements, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant animal-care standards. The position requires an associate degree or equivalent in biology, life sciences, or a related field, plus relevant veterinary or research-facility experience. A bachelor’s degree, veterinary technician certification, AALAS certification, and operating-room or animal-care experience are preferred. This role may be offered at different levels based on candidates’ education and experience. The stated salary range is $21–$25 per hour, adjusted according to role level and relevant experience or education. Regular on-site attendance is required, with travel to various site locations possible. The role has physical requirements that include regularly lifting up to 50 pounds, remaining mobile throughout a work shift, using personal protective equipment, and occasional exposure to specified workplace hazards.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent in biology, life sciences, or a related field.
Two years of experience as a veterinary technician or assistant in general practice or a similar setting, or one year of direct experience in a research facility with large animals.
Demonstrated independent-user proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, data-capture software, and similar computer applications.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time and resources.
Attention to detail, quality focus, ability to follow written and detailed instructions, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with personnel at all organizational levels.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment and adapt while performing laboratory operations, including difficult or non-routine work.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to use a computer to compile and maintain basic data, spreadsheets, checklists, reports, records, and inventory information using appropriate software.
Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and safely move heavy equipment.
Ability to stand and move throughout an entire work shift, including walking, bending, reaching, lifting, crouching, pushing, and pulling.
Manual dexterity to operate necessary equipment and perform essential tasks.
Close visual acuity and depth perception, with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to use provided personal protective equipment.
Regular on-site attendance as scheduled by management and ability to travel to various site locations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, life sciences, or a related field.
Registered or Certified Veterinary Technician (RVT or CVT), or equivalent.
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification.
Experience in an operating-room environment, postoperative care, or animal triage.

Responsibilities

Review study protocols and notebooks before study initiation and participate in pre-study meetings as needed.
Conduct daily clinical observations of animals and their pens or cages to assess animal health, well-being, and sanitation.
Monitor animals for adverse effects after test-article administration.
Dose or administer treatments to animals through routes including ocular, oral capsule, oral gavage, dermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes, across a variety of species.
Collect and process biological samples as trained and needed, including blood, synovial fluid, urine, or feces.
Perform physical examinations and collect body weights, body condition scores, and feed-consumption weights.
Learn and perform pre-operative procedures, including pre-medication, anesthesia induction, catheter placement, and preparation of surgical or injection sites.
Assist with preparation of aseptic or sterile surgical fields and learn to monitor anesthetized animals during surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Disinfect, clean, wrap or package, sterilize, and store surgical instruments; maintain instruments with care.
Learn and perform postoperative animal monitoring and care for animals used in surgical procedures.
Maintain accurate medication and controlled-substance-use records.
Perform euthanasia and learn necropsy procedures.
Complete entries in electronic data-capture systems or paper records accurately and on time; review daily paperwork and computer entries for completeness, legibility, and accuracy.
Perform other procedures specified by study protocols or SOPs.
Monitor study and surgical supply inventory, including expiration dates, notify appropriate team members of items needing reorder, and assist with stocking supplies.
Assist with routine animal-vivarium cleaning, including sweeping, mopping, and trash removal.
Assist with preparation of study notebooks as needed.
Participate in training newly hired employees on proficient procedures.
Follow SOPs and other applicable laboratory and company policies and procedures; maintain confidential information and support company initiatives as directed.
Periodically review applicable SOPs for accuracy and procedural compliance; participate in SOP writing, review, and revision as needed.
Complete assigned training and maintain training documentation.
Follow safety regulations, policies, procedures, and good documentation practices; maintain knowledge of and compliance with GLP, USDA, AAALAC, OLAW, and other applicable regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.