Animal Laboratory Health Technician

The University of Southern California, Department of Animal Resources, is seeking a responsible, self-motivated, organized, and knowledgeable individual for a position of Animal Laboratory Health Technician. The Department of Animal Resources takes pride in providing optimal animal care for all animals housed at the university for the purposes of biomedical research and teaching. This position provides animal health care for laboratory animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. The Animal Laboratory Health Technician performs routine clinical procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including handling, restraint, examinations, sample collection, necropsy, and administration of medications. This position is also responsible for coordinating the shipment and quarantine of research animals.

Job Accountabilities

· Provides care and treatment to research animals under veterinary supervision and assists principal investigators with treatments. Assists veterinarians with clinical cases as needed.

· Provides anesthetic assistance and performs euthanasia under veterinary supervision. Responds to emergency situations for animals in surgery or in other campus locations.

· Maintains pharmaceutical and surgical or laboratory supply inventories. Orders supplies and pharmaceuticals. Keeps abreast of new developments in the pharmaceutical field through journals, circulars and seminars. Maintains accurate, updated logs of controlled substances

· Collects and processes diagnostic samples. Administers drugs and other treatments. Assists Veterinarians and Principal Investigators with handling animals during procedures

· Ensures that animals are provided care in accordance with state and federal regulations to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort

· Assists in training researchers and staff in animal procedures and guidelines.

· Uses and maintains surgical equipment such as anesthesia machines, ventilators, cautery apparatus, suction equipment, clippers, endoscopes and monitoring devices

· Prepares and sterilizes instruments and facilities for surgical use. Performs technical procedures in animal surgery, i.e. anesthetic, post-operative care. Maintains accurate records of procedures performed on animals. Analyzes case history records

· Performs laboratory examinations including necropsy, clinical pathology, microbiology, parasitology, PCR, ELISA, etc. under veterinary supervision

· Provides information to Business Office for billing charges to principal investigators

· Assists in inspecting incoming animals for shipping condition, food supply, disease symptoms; performs physical examinations. Maintains accurate records

· Communicates with researchers and labs by email, phone, and in person about animal health and research needs

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education/Experience: 3 years combined experience or education in related animal or health fields; Minimum Field of Expertise: Courses or experience in life sciences or animal health technology. Experience in animal handling, veterinary diagnostics, anesthesia, and surgical assistance.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.59 - $31.48 . When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

LI-AW1

Required Education: - Related undergraduate study - Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Required Experience: - 3 years Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: - Experience with animal handling, animal treatment, veterinary diagnostics, animal anesthesia and surgical assistance in veterinary hospital or university environment. Required Certifications: - Certification or eligibility as a California Registered Animal Health Technician.