Veterinary Technician I/II (Relocation assistance available)

United Therapeutics•Christiansburg, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

United Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UTHR) is a public benefit corporation dedicated to developing novel pharmaceutical therapies and technologies to expand the availability of transplantable organs. The company focuses on rare, deadly diseases and aims to create manufactured organs to address the shortage of available organs for transplant. This role is crucial for the xenotransplantation program, involving the general care and husbandry of pigs within a barrier facility and supporting veterinary procedures, including surgeries, sample collections, and necropsies. The Veterinary Technician will assist veterinarian staff in routine care, preventive medicine, nursing, and record-keeping for USDA-covered species. They will independently manage daily swine herd activities, including health, nutrition, and reproduction, and assist with operative procedures and post-operative care. The role also involves sample collection, storage, shipping, and inventory for health and pathogen testing, as well as assisting with post-operative procedures like imaging and biopsies. Record maintenance for animal husbandry and care is essential, along with performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

Associate degree in veterinary technology or animal sciences
For Veterinary Technician I level: 2+ years of experience in large animal care and handling, experience following IACUC and research protocols and working with controlled substances, experience performing medical tests, observing behaviors, collecting samples, and administering medication to large animals with an associates degree, or 1+ year of experience in large animal care and handling, experience following IACUC and research protocols and working with controlled substances, experience performing medical tests, observing behaviors, collecting samples, and administering medication to large animals with a bachelor's degree
For Veterinary Technician II level: 4+ years of experience in large animal care and handling, experience following IACUC and research protocols and working with controlled substances, experience performing medical tests, observing behaviors, collecting samples, and administering medication to large animals with an associate degree or 2+ years of experience in large animal care and handling, experience following IACUC and research protocols and working with controlled substances, experience performing medical tests, observing behaviors, collecting samples, and administering medication to large animals with a bachelor's degree
Licensed Veterinary Technician-NAVTA
Licensed Vet Tech through the VA Board of Veterinary Medicine
Working knowledge of animal husbandry including nutrition, reproduction, and safety
Knowledge and experience with data collection and recording of large animals
Working knowledge of the Animal Welfare and other regulations regarding animal research, USDA, FDA, and DEA
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong attention to operational planning and follow through
Ability to author and follow SOPs
Works under moderate supervision on routine tasks; may seek advice of more senior employees
Must not have any other interaction with other pigs outside of the company
Lift 75 lbs to waist level
Push/Pull 200 lbs on wheels

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or animal sciences
Working knowledge/understanding of GxP compliance

Responsibilities

Independently perform and document the day-to-day activities of the swine herd, including herd health (general nursing care, vaccinations, medications, treatments, etc.), nutrition (feed management), and reproduction (AI, Boar semen collection, estrus synchronization)
Assist veterinarian(s) and surgeons(s) with all elements of operative procedures, such as setup and tear-down, and post-operative animal care (i.e. examining animals, checking vitals, monitoring animals under anesthesia)
Collect, store, ship, and inventory samples (blood, nasal, tissue, etc.) from animals for health and pathogen testing
Provide assistance with post-op procedures including imaging, biopsies, bronchoscopy, tissue procurement and management of cardiopulmonary functions
Maintain appropriate records for animal husbandry and care activity records
Perform other duties as assigned