Research Vet Tech

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 35,748 - 42,691; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plans with employer contribution

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is looking for a Veterinary Technician to provide veterinary care for a variety of species in biomedical research. This role requires independent work and collaboration with veterinary and investigative teams, ensuring proper care and compliance with regulations.

Applicants must be graduates from an accredited veterinary technology program and licensed in Minnesota by July 1, 2026. Competitive pay package with benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Must possess a license to practice as a veterinary technician in Minnesota by July 1, 2026.
• Must have strong independent judgment skills.
• Ability to handle and provide care for a variety of animal species.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care to animals in support of biomedical research.
• Perform technical services for investigators.
• Train departmental staff and laboratory personnel on techniques.
• Assist with regulatory site visits and comply with guidelines.

Skills

Veterinary care

Anesthesia administration

Technical training

Pain management

Education

Graduated from accredited veterinary technology program

Licensed veterinary technician in Minnesota

Tools

Veterinary medical equipment

Anesthesia machine

Job description

Job Summary

Support the health and responsible use of animals in biomedical research under the care of Research Animal Resources. Must work independently, interact and communicate effectively with animal husbandry, veterinary and investigative staff. Must be able to work with a large variety of species including rodents, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, production animals and nonhuman primates.

Responsibilities

• 1. (70%) Provide veterinary care to animals in support of biomedical research:
  • Maintain understanding of research studies and protocols to ensure animals receive appropriate care while respecting the integrity of each study.
  • Learn and understand how genetic manipulations support specific studies and how they affect animal health.
  • Accurately assess pain in all species, respond proactively and manage pain appropriately.
  • Use independent judgment and established Standards of Care to assess health conditions of patients.
  • Assess and treat health conditions related to research studies or spontaneously acquired.
  • Administer medications by oral, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular and intravenous routes.
  • Perform rounds to monitor ongoing treatments and health concerns.
  • Administer postoperative care, emergency care on an as‑needed or directed basis.
  • Prepare animal patients for, perform, and assist in veterinary medical and surgical procedures such as anesthesia prep, monitoring and recovery, dental procedures, wound management and euthanasia.
  • Perform examinations, schedule and organize regular health screening and vaccinations for multiple species.
  • Ensure inventory is sufficient for these tasks.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records, including GLP and electronic records, animal intake, housing and enrichment logs.
  • Regularly review medical records for accuracy and completeness.
  • May be trained to use and maintain complex veterinary equipment such as anesthesia machine and ventilator, infusion pump, syringe pump, stereotaxis, suction, warmers, microscope, etc.
  • Maintain the pharmacy and equipment: dispense pharmaceuticals, fill prescriptions, order, stock and maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals and supplies, including controlled substances.
  • Wrap and autoclave instrument packs, maintain cold tray, ensure pharmacy is neat and clean at all times.
  • Obtain fluid or tissue samples, perform biopsies, process diagnostic samples in‑house and prepare for outside lab submission.
  • Work some weekends and holidays in all areas of campus, with veterinarian on call.
  • Familiarize with and comply with regulatory bodies such as USDA, OLAW, AWA/AWR, PHS Policy and guidelines such as The Guide.
• 2. (10%) Perform technical services for investigators including anesthesia prep, monitoring and recovery, breeding colony management, ear punching, ear tagging, injections, sedation, euthanasia and tissue harvesting. Bill investigators for treatments and technical services.
• 3. (10%) Train personnel: train departmental staff, laboratory staff, students/interns as directed. Serve as an instructor in regularly scheduled and special‑request classes to teach investigators proper injection techniques, tissue collection, anesthesia, asepsis, safety, restraint, identification, assessment, euthanasia and other techniques necessary for quality research results and animal welfare.
• 4. (5%) Prepare for and assist RAR directorship during regulatory site visits from AAALAC, USDA, IACUC and other authorities.
• 5. (5%) Other clinical or technical duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program, or have two years equivalent experience.
• Must be a licensed veterinary technician in the state of Minnesota by July 1, 2026.
• If assigned to be a driver, must pass a Department of Motor Vehicles record screening.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.95 - $30.99, depending on education, qualifications and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Time.

Work Profile: Designated as Work Profile 1.

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented - Lab‑Based. Work is fully in person in a dedicated on‑campus workspace.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Employment Requirements

• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Presumption that prospective employees are eligible to work in the United States.
• Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.
• Position is not eligible for H‑1B or green card sponsorship.
• Responsible for complying with all licensing, certification or other requirements for the position, including any medical and training requirements of the Research Occupational Health Program.

EEO Statement

The University of Minnesota provides equal access and opportunity without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. For more information about diversity, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.