Temporary Veterinary Technician II

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University Veterinary Services seeks a Temporary Veterinary Technician II to assist staff in delivering high-quality care for laboratory animals and to train members of the animal care program. The role acts as a liaison among researchers, animal care staff, and veterinary personnel.

The position is temporary (Nov 9, 2026–Feb 9, 2027) and on-site at the BioScience Research Collaborative in Houston. A high school diploma and 2+ years’ related experience are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of experience with animal handling and related procedures.
• Familiarity with laboratory animal health monitoring and compliance.
• Training and teaching proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care to laboratory animals under supervision.
• Assist in diagnosis and treatment while supporting research protocols.
• Develop and deliver training on animal handling and veterinary techniques.
• Maintain animal records to comply with regulations.
• Support health monitoring programs and ensure a safe, efficient work environment.
• Serve as liaison among veterinary, research and animal care staff.

Skills

Independent work

Diagnostic testing

Lab animal handling

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

LVT certification preferred

AALAS ALAT or higher

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Temporary Veterinary Technician II will assist members of the veterinary staff, research staff, and animal care staff in providing exceptional care for laboratory animals in Rice University’s growing animal care and use program. The veterinary technician will aid in all aspects of the animal care program serving as a liaison between different stakeholder groups including researchers and animal care staff. The veterinary technician will also serve as a primary resource to provide training to various members of the animal care and use program.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with Rice staff members.

The position is temporary, with an expected duration from November 9, 2026, through February 9, 2027.

Workplace Requirements

This position is on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University Campus located at BioScience Research Collaborative, 6500 Main Street, Houston. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

• Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two or more (2+) years of experience related to animal handling, methods of blood collection, substance administration, anesthesiology, and euthanasia

Skills

• Ability to work independently when needed
• Experience conducting diagnostic tests
• Ability to work with many various laboratory animal species
• Basic computer skills within Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.)

Preferences

• Associate’s degree in related field.
• Licensed veterinary technician (LVT)
• Experience working with various animals in a research setting.
• AALAS certification at ALAT or above.
• Prior experience providing training in numerous veterinary procedures.
• Understanding of the scientific process including aspects of protocol and study design.
• Understanding compliance pertaining to animal care and use in a research environment.

Essential Functions

• Works independently to provide veterinary care for laboratory animals under the direction of staff veterinarians.
• Provides direct assistance to members of the animal program in the diagnosis and treatment of laboratory animals while facilitating laboratory research and supporting animal use protocols.
• Develops and provides training to research and animal care staff in proper animal handling, restraint, and various veterinary manipulations and techniques through formal and informal training events.
• Provides complex and technical support to veterinary and research staff.
• Actively supports laboratory animal health monitoring programs and maintains animal records in compliance with regulatory agency guidelines and requirements.
• Maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Serve as a liaison between the veterinary, research, and animal care personnel.
• Work with veterinary and animal care staff to provide consistent care for all animals on weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.
• Ability to learn how to use new research equipment within ARF and become a primary trainer for this new equipment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools.

Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.

If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.