Veterinary Sciences Technical Specialist

Role Summary

The Veterinary Sciences (VS) department at BMS in Brisbane, CA (BNE) is looking for someone to help coordinate and perform routine and some non-routine work required for the care of laboratory animals. Regularly assists in providing health care for laboratory animals and restraint of animals for veterinary staff and research personnel. Performs cage sanitation, room and general facility sanitation, room environmental monitoring and documentation. Identifies and works with supervisors and co-workers to implement changes which may improve animal welfare, efficiency, and productivity. This position is full-time Tuesday–Saturday.

Responsibilities

• Provides proper care and clean caging, diet, and drinking water to laboratory animals in assigned areas/rooms daily.
• Perform various technical procedures including but not limited to dosing and sampling biomethodologies, animal restraint, biological data collection, and breeding colony management support.
• Perform veterinary procedures like PO, SQ, IM, IV, & IP treatments in relevant species and procedures using general anesthetics and peri-operative care for routine procedures.
• Review environmental parameters, condition of animal rooms and equipment in rooms, and proper functioning of mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC, lighting, automatic drinking water, where appropriate) in assigned areas/rooms daily.
• Operates cage washers, autoclaves, and other equipment as assigned.
• Observes animal behavior and health and reports any concerns to veterinary staff.
• Provides support for cage processing, including set-up and break-down for cleaning/disposal.
• Assists with shipment and receipt of animals.
• Participates in training and educational programs as required. In coordination with the Global Training team, participates in provision of new employee training.
• Performs sanitization of work areas and performs general housekeeping duties.
• Follow department SOPs, BMS guidelines, external guidelines and regulations related to animal care and use. Suggests and evaluates changes in forms, methods, and procedures, as appropriate to enhance efficiency, productivity, and animal welfare.
• Works cooperatively with other employees in efforts to achieve individual and department goals.
• As directed and under the supervision of a veterinarian, may assist in the provision of the daily clinical veterinary care (basic medical treatments, diagnostic and technical laboratory procedures) for stock and research animals and maintains appropriate documentation.
• Maintains awareness of active research projects
• Participates in collaborations with veterinary staff and investigative staff to review reports and results.
• May provide surgical assistance including administration of general anesthesia, surgical preparation, and peri-operative care.
• May collaborate with Veterinary and Training teams on support required for projects and clinical cases in their area of responsibility. May organize and coordinate tasks as appropriate.
• Participates in facility projects. May communicate and coordinate activities across different areas within VS.
• May assist in the conduct of post-approval monitoring activities at the request of the IACUC and contribute to the preparation of PAM reports, including recommendations, for IACUC review.
• Perform all other related duties, as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to understand and follow SOPs and to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to follow directions, communicate effectively, and work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrated physical stamina and dexterity to handle laboratory animals and use of personal protective equipment.
• Proficient in using email, basic Microsoft Office applications and department-assigned mobile computer devices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the biology and proper handling of various laboratory animal species.
• Proficient in the use and maintenance of standard equipment within a research-based animal facility and able to train others to operate the same equipment.
• Basic knowledge of veterinary procedures and experience with, or ability to learn, PO, SQ, IM, IV, and IP treatments in relevant species and procedures using general anesthetics and peri-operative care for routine procedures.
• Experience in the acquisition and analysis of laboratory data gathered from the equipment they operate or clinical cases they oversee and assuring appropriate response to abnormal results.
• History of consistent high-level performance in meeting objectives and alignment with BMS values.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's or Associate degree, or equivalent, is preferred.
• AALAS LATG certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a laboratory animal facility or related setting.