Animal Surgical Technician I

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago, IL seeks a Veterinary Surgical Technician to maintain operating room readiness, assist with minor to major procedures, and support anesthetic care under veterinary supervision. The role also includes post-operative monitoring, record-keeping for USDA species, and inventory management.

The successful candidate will contribute to education and training of staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with CCM personnel to support ongoing studies.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level vet tech study or a 4-year science degree.
• Four years combined veterinary/animal health experience with 1+ year in lab-animal care.
• AALAS ALAT or equivalent certification.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to type and use spreadsheet/word-processing/email tools.

Responsibilities

• Surgical Support: assist veterinarians in minor/major procedures and prepare aseptic suites.
• Clinical Rounds: monitor post-op cases and advise on care plans.
• Environmental Enrichment: provide enrichment for lab animals.
• Colony Health Sentinel: manage health programs as required.
• Drugs, Supplies & Testing: manage inventories and submit samples for testing.
• Teaching/Training: train staff and interns in techniques and asepsis.
• Regulatory: stay current with animal care regulations and SOPs.
• Administrative: handle orders, records, and recharge forms.

Skills

Lab animal care

Verbal communication

Written communication

Typing

AALAS ALAT

Education

Vet tech education or AVMA-accredited program

4-year science degree (animal science/biology/veterinary)

Tools

Sterile instrument packs

Job description

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Department

Ctr for Comparative Medicine

Salary/Grade

NEX/14

Job Summary

Maintains the operating room, performs minor surgeries, fluoroscopic procedures, and major surgery under the supervision of the veterinary staff or qualified laboratory personnel. Provides anesthetic and peri-operative support and monitors post-operative recovery of animals undergoing surgery. Maintains medical records for USDA covered species and maintains inventory of supplies to facilitate current and upcoming studies.

Shift and Physical Requirements

Please note: Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime and holidays as required. Must be able to read, write, and comprehend English to read signage and to read and update animal health records. The workspace may be small, non-private and close to other workstations where the noise level can be high. This position requires the individual to be available to work on either the Chicago or Evanston campus as coverage needs dictate.

Program Participation

Must be enrolled in the university's occupational health program which entails filling out a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is submitted to the university's occupational health provider for review. Must be willing to undergo job-related background check.

Specific Responsibilities

Surgical Support

• Performs minor surgeries, vascular access procedures, fluoroscopic procedures and assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with major surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite for aseptic surgery. Administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids and monitors anesthesia and post-surgical recovery. Submits surgery billing statements to CCM business office on monthly basis for recharge to investigators (essential function for cost recovery).

Clinical Rounds

• Performs daily rounds to monitor postoperative and ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of cases. Performs physical examinations, makes treatment recommendations, performs treatments and consults with clinical veterinarians regarding post-operative care.

Environmental Enrichment

• Assists in preparing and providing environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals following the enrichment program.

Colony Health Sentinel Program

• Performs necessary colony health management as required by the animal health program

Drugs, Supplies and Testing

• Dispenses and fills non-controlled drugs and supplies from the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments with an emphasis on the surgical suite. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Teaching/Training

• Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in basic surgical techniques and asepsis. Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in technical procedures such as intravenous injections, blood collection, intubation, catheterization, etc.

Regulatory

• Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Maintains technical familiarity with a wide range of clinical and experimental procedures for a variety of laboratory animal species. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.

Administrative

• Orders surgical supplies, completes anesthesia records, surgical reports and surgical recharge forms, tracks inventory, restocks the clinical areas, and performs other administrative tasks as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full-time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or completion of a 4-year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.
• A combined 4-year's experience as a veterinary, animal health or surgical technician with at least 1-year's experience as an animal health or surgical technician in a laboratory animal research facility.
• AALAS certified ALAT or equivalent combination of relevant work or education experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.
• Lab animal care

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science at the LAT level.
• Experience performing animal surgery
• Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least 1 state
• Experience as a veterinary technician in a clinical or high-volume research setting
• Experience in animal research
• Academy of Surgical Research Certification: SRA, SRT, or SRS

Salary

Target hiring range for this position will be between $32.00-$36.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work‑Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.