We are seeking a Rodent Veterinary Technician in the Research Animal Resources (RAR) department who supports Johns Hopkins animal research enterprise in the conduct of research services and veterinary care for rodents and other small animals used in a wide array of animal research studies, even those pertaining to Animal Biosafety Level (ABSL-3) containment studies like COVID-19. This position is integral to developing an integrated animal modeling and veterinary services for Hopkins investigators.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Rodent breeding colony management and technical support for investigators and veterinarians, including but not limited to,
• Identifying animals (e.g. ear tagging, ear notching).
• Setting up breeding cages.
• Weaning animals.
• Collecting and submitting samples, including tail tips or ear punch for genotyping.
• Recording pedigree, births, deaths, # weaned and other data electronically.
• Performing cross-foster rederivation.

Technical services for research experiments, including but not limited to,

• Routine rodent bio methodology like blood collection, injections, oral gavage, euthanasia and tissue harvest.
• Perform rodent survival surgical procedures.
• Perform other animal procedures for investigators and veterinarians, including working with infectious agents like SARS-CoV-2.
• Act as liaison between researchers and RAR.

Administrative procedures, including but not limited to,

• Recordkeeping on Excel sheet, Word document, and other platforms.
• Keeping detailed time and procedure records for billing purposes.
• Providing weekly colony reports to investigator/veterinarians.
• Animals and supplies ordering.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Sample, inoculum, and equipment and supplies inventory.
• Coordinate with husbandry personnel provisions for animal care.
• Help train researchers.
• Help maintain equipment like isoflurane gas machines.
• Follow safety protocol for all personnel working in the facility.
• Follow and help implement SOPs, guidelines, and other related documents.
• Maintain strict infection control procedures.
• As assigned by the veterinarian.

Secondary Responsibilities 

• Respond to and manage clinical calls independently.
• Consult with veterinarians, as necessary, for clinical case management.
• Perform diagnostic lab techniques like in-house parasitology and basic microscopy.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience using MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Attention to detail.
  

• Excellent recordkeeping skills, and proficiency with use of computer programs, including spreadsheets, and databases.
  

• Willingness and ability to learn new skills and knowledge.
  

• Ability to work independently but must be a team player, and able to cross train with other veterinary technicians, in order to provide cross-coverage as needed.

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent. 
• One year of related working experience in laboratory animal science or animal research, especially working with rodents.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula

Physical Requirements 

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
• Finger and hand dexterity required to restraint animals and manipulate things.
• Significant standing, walking.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to operate a computer on a frequent basis.
• Ability to see within normal parameters in order to work with animals and visualize work.
• Ability to wear appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) as assigned for the animal housing room, especially a PAPR.
• Must not have allergies to rodents like mice and rats.

• Experience in rodent breeding colony management.
  

• Experience in rodent bio-methodology.

• Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science or Biology preferred.

Classified Title: Veterinary Technician 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Rodent Veterinary Technician   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: 40 hours/wk 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​Research Animal Resources  
Personnel area: University Administration