Veterinary Technician

General Overview/Summary Statement:

A Veterinary Technician position is available on the team of Néstor Uribe-Patarroyo within the Center for Biomedical OCT Research and Translation (CBORT) in the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. The Wellman Center for Photomedicine is the world's largest academic research facility dedicated to investigating the effects of light on human biology and to the development of light-mediated, diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. The Uribe-Patarroyo group focuses on developing novel diagnostic imaging. For additional information, please visit the lab's website at: https://octresearch.org/

This position requires an individual who will be able to perform standard laboratory procedures and assist researchers on non-invasive retinal imaging on animal models in the laboratory.

The Veterinary Technician will:

• Be responsible for the care and use of animals in experiments.

• Be expected to aid the researchers in basic animal procedures including animal transfer, drug administration, and animal monitoring.

• Be tasked with pre- and post-procedure, recovery care and health assessment/ health assurance programs.

• Work closely with lab members, the IACUC, and CCM to ensure the lab is compliant and up to date with appropriate guidelines and policies.

There will be routine maintenance work for supporting the laboratory, such as general inventory and animal record keeping, as outlined in the responsibilities section below:

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are performed daily with minimal supervision:

• Be or become proficient with mouse handling and restraint techniques.

• Ensure that prescribed clinical care is conducted for the research animals as necessary and delegated by researchers.

• Ensuring all procedures performed in the space adhere to all applicable regulations and guidelines for animal welfare, care, and use.

• Maintain inventories for all veterinary medications and laboratory supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and animal-use research supplies.

• Acquire familiarity with the regulatory requirements as outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Act.

• Ensure timely and efficient correspondence with the MGH IACUC.

• Maintain an accurate census of animals and keep records of the colony.

• Maintains electronic laboratory notebook.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate animal care for his/her assigned responsibilities.

• Comply with CCM and MGH policies and procedures.

The following duties may be performed daily under initial or continuing supervision from the Team Lead or Manager:

• Perform specific lab procedures, including anesthesia, monitoring during in-vivo imaging, and euthanasia.

• Assist in setting up and running animal, including planning and coordination with other lab members and internal collaborators.

• Assist with editing research protocols as required by research and regulatory staff.

• Assist with organizing materials for publications or presentations.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Science

• Associate's degree with 1-2 years of relevant experience

Experience:

• Previous laboratory experience working with animals is strongly preferred.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:

• Ability to work with laboratory animals (mice, possibly rats).

• Proficient in routine veterinary practices and scientific experimentation.

• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Strong organization skills.

• Ability to stand for extended periods.