Veterinary Assistant

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Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

To work with and support licensed veterinary technicians to provide and help coordinate the medical care of research animals within the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM); to serve as a liaison between the veterinary team, husbandry team, and research laboratory personnel; and to maintain complete and accurate medical records

Responsibilities*

• Perform ongoing medical care for rodents being managed by veterinary technician team through rechecks, including communication with research staff, requires direct handling of animals.
• Assist licensed veterinary technicians with tasks involving USDA-regulated species
• Maintaining animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory agency guidelines
• Attending and actively participating in team meetings and clinical rounds
• Understand and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance Standards, and Standard of Care (SOC) practices
• Assist in administrative tasks such as inventory, creating labels and acetates, filing records, creating forms
• Assist with isoflurane vaporizer rental program
• Other duties as assigned
• Ability to function independently and positively in a team setting
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
• Position is considered critical staff under University Reduced Operations definition
• This position requires considerable use of arms and legs and activities such twisting, standing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, restraining animals as heavy as up to 200lbs, or pushing transport cages more than 350 lbs.
• Must be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time

Required Qualifications*

• High School diploma and up to 1 year of paid animal experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, education, or experience providing animal care
• Ability to work independently as needed while still working courteously and effectively with others.
• Ability and willingness to work with many species including but not limited to mice, rats, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, cattle
• Basic computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and e-mails)

Desired Qualifications*

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree
• Some knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care and laboratory activities
• Some knowledge of animal research
• Some knowledge of the principles of medical asepsis
• Experience working with rodents is highly desirable
• Animal experience at a veterinary clinic, farm, pet shop, zoo, animal rehabilitation center, or through animal-related course work, etc.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.