The Oregon National Primate 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 Vet Research/Health Technician 1 assists in providing research support, clinical health care, and husbandry for a variety of non human primates. This is the first level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the higher levels by increased concentration on routine care and reduced responsibility for providing intermediate to complex animal care and procedures under specialized projects which require increased attention to research criteria. It is distinguished from the Lab Animal Technician series by the emphasis on research support and health care of animals.

 

Research Support Services

• Under supervision, performs technical skills in support of a variety of investigative needs including but not limited to phlebotomy or following fasting protocols.
• May communicate and interact with scientific staff to accomplish their needs.
• May assist with the management of and coordination of tasks to meet research needs.

Animal Health Care and Husbandry

• Evaluates new and ongoing clinical cases.
• Provides basic treatments within clinical guidelines or as determined by the Attending Veterinarian or their designees which may include but is not limited to medication administration or recovery from IV fluid therapy.
• Triages which cases may require immediate attention or complex individual or colony-level care, in addition to case management through routine practices including but not limited to clinical release weights.
• Prioritizes animal health assessment, such as DVM night checks, based on case evaluation of the reported clinical condition.
• Provides husbandry support for research animals.

General Maintenance

• Cleans and sanitizes animal care areas and equipment and operates mechanical washing equipment.
• Restock clinical supplies.
• Maintains sterility of surgical supplies and instruments through proper storage and rotation. Cleans and disinfects minor surgical and clinical supplies.

Observation and Records

• Checks animals daily for signs of abnormal behavior, illness, or injury.
• Records information necessary to support the research protocols and animal health.
• Reports observed health findings per standard reporting process.
• Records completion of daily required area-level care activities.

Other 

• Drives department vehicles on campus.
• Assists in the loading and unloading of animals.
• Animal capture and care.
• Unloading and storing feed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Six months of experience providing paid or voluntary care for animals.
• Valid driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Professional and service-oriented attitude.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers in a positive and constructive manner.
• Ability to use proper techniques to perform standard clinical procedures.
• Dexterity and manual skills.
• Ability to use the computer keyboard to type.
• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Experience in the health care of research animals.
• Experience as a veterinary technician or assistant.
• Experience with handling and administering medications through various routes.
• Pharmaceutical drug and controlled drug knowledge.
• Knowledge of standardized medical terminology and nomenclature.
• Certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

Training schedule is typically 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Normal work schedule is evening shifts 5 days per week including one weekend day. Evening shift length is 8 hours beginning at 12:30pm with the ability to work overtime as needed. Weekly work schedules established by DCM managerial staff, including voluntary and in-voluntary weekend and holiday work schedules.

 

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 care tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures.
• 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.

Physical Demands

• Ability to drive DCM vehicles on and off campus as required.
• Ability to walk and stand for continuous hours a day.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Ability to 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 learn and use computerized medical programs to perform data input and communication. 

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.