The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

The Veterinary Research/Health Technician 2 assists in providing clinical care and husbandry for a variety of laboratory research primates.  This is the second level of a three level series.  It is distinguished from the lower level by increased responsibility in independently performing the duties of a VRHT1 while also triaging situations that may arise throughout the day w/o direct oversite. The primary function of this position is to support the clinical medicine unit related to the care of laboratory animals with a large emphasis on clinical and surgical medication distribution and preparation.  Duties must be performed in a professional manner and will require contact with investigative staff.  The area of work assignment and specific tasks will vary, depending on veterinary care requirements, service requirements, and staffing needs, during regular and non-regular working hours, including weekends, holidays, or on an overtime basis.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

1. Animal Health Care Services:

 Distribute prescribed medications for all laboratory animals campus wide.  Prepare clinically prescribed medications for laboratory animals campus wide.  Participate in general animal health surveillance by observing animals in all housing configurations, recognizing abnormalities in physical condition or behavior, and reporting and recording observations to the clinical veterinarian or research staff; perform animal health  procedures such as weighing, TB testing, and blood collections; capture, restrain, identify, and sex common varieties of laboratory animals, and the transport animals in support of veterinary, husbandry or investigative procedures.

 

2. General Maintenance:

Cleans and disinfects minor surgical and clinical supplies and instrumentation by an appropriate means for the material being cleaned.   Assembles minor surgical instrument sets and supplies according to established guidelines or as directed.  Packages supplies and sets for sterilization.  Operates steam sterilizers and ultrasonic cleaner.  Maintains sterility of surgical supplies and instruments through proper storage and rotation.  Knowledge of sterilization methodology and microbiology as it relates to cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in the surgical environment is preferred.  Cleans hospital, hallways, medication and special diet prep areas, and satellite clinical procedure rooms in accordance with published guidelines or as directed. The candidate will perform any other duties which are deemed necessary by the Veterinary Clinical Supervisor or Chief of Clinical Medicine.

 

3. Observation and Records:

Documents medication disbursement in writing and utilizing the electronic database were applicable.  Recognize familiar medications as well familiar with standardized medical terminology and nomenclature; able to communicate and record patient information in appropriate formats.  Checks clinical medication cases for signs of abnormal behavior, illness, or injury; records information necessary to document adequate clinical care; and reports observed findings to a veterinary technician or veterinarian.

 

4. Other duties as assigned to meet the goals of the Division

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience:

• Two years of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Assistant Lab Animal Technician level (ALAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

             OR

• One year of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

             OR

• An equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Professional and service-oriented attitude; excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers in a positive and contructive manner
• Ability to use proper techniques to safely perform standard clinical procedures (including ability to accurately calculate medication dosages)
• Possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques)
• Ability to use computer keyboard
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written isntructions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff.

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

  OR Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

• A valid Driver's License and the ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus. Must be able to complete an FBI security risk assessment

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Experience:

• Three years of experience in the healthcare of experimental animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

            OR

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

           OR

• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Requires the ability to move unassisted through various animal housing areas located in several separate buildings, indoor and outdoor, (including covered areas that are not environmentally controlled), in order to make animal observations, perform animal husbandry tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures.  Includes:  moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation platforms
• Ability to work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Ability to work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals
• Schedule may include working inside an ABSL 3 facility
• Normal work schedule is Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday, 7:30am-4pm
• Ability to work overtime as needed and can be mandatory when necessary

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• Requires:  Possession of a valid Driver’s License and ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus as required
• Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers, in a positive and constructive manner, to provide research support in a professional manner, and with a service-oriented attitude
• Ability to use proper techniques to safely perform standard clinical procedures, including ability to accurately calculate medication dosages; possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques)
• Ability to use computer keyboard; ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and lift objects weighing approximately 19 kg (42 lbs) to approximately shoulder height
• Ability to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment such as cage racks and loaded carts
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff
• Ability to learn computerized medical programs and perform data input

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.