Veterinary Assistant

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Animal Care Assistant to support veterinary technicians in providing essential medical care for research animals. This role involves maintaining accurate medical records, assisting with various species, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a willingness to work independently and collaboratively within a team. With opportunities for hybrid or remote work, this position offers a chance to contribute to vital research while enjoying a supportive work environment focused on animal welfare and care.

Qualifications

• Up to one year of paid animal care experience or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently and courteously with others.

Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing medical care for rodents managed by the veterinary technician team.
• Maintain animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as inventory management.

Skills

Animal Care

Basic Computer Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

To work with and support licensed veterinary technicians in providing and coordinating medical care for research animals within the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM). Serve as a liaison between the veterinary team, husbandry team, and research laboratory personnel, while maintaining complete and accurate medical records.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine aims to improve the health of patients, populations, and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research, technology development, and leadership activities nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by strategic principles focusing on patient care, education, and research to enhance societal contributions.

Responsibilities*

1. Perform ongoing medical care for rodents managed by the veterinary technician team, including rechecks and communication with research staff, which requires direct handling of animals.
2. Assist licensed veterinary technicians with tasks involving USDA-regulated species.
3. Maintain animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory agency guidelines.
4. Attend and actively participate in team meetings and clinical rounds.
5. Understand and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance Standards, and Standard of Care (SOC) practices.
6. Assist in administrative tasks such as inventory management, creating labels and acetates, filing records, and creating forms.
7. Assist with the isoflurane vaporizer rental program.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.
9. Function independently and positively within a team setting.
10. Communicate and work effectively and professionally with internal and external customers.
11. This position is considered critical staff under the University’s Reduced Operations policy.
12. Perform repetitive motions over extended periods.

Required Qualifications*

1. High school diploma and up to one year of paid animal care experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, education, or experience.
2. Ability to work independently and courteously with others.
3. Willingness to work with various species, including mice, rats, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and cattle.
4. Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, emails).

Desired Qualifications*

1. Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
2. Knowledge of animal care methods, materials, and equipment used in laboratory settings.
3. Knowledge of animal research principles.
4. Understanding of medical asepsis principles.
5. Experience working with rodents is highly desirable.
6. Experience in veterinary clinics, farms, pet shops, zoos, animal rehabilitation centers, or related coursework.

Modes of Work

Positions may be eligible for hybrid or remote work, at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Learn more about work modes.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing for all job candidates upon accepting a contingent offer. Background checks comply with the Fair Credit Report Act.

Application Deadline

Job postings are open for at least seven days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. Positions may be filled at any time after the minimum posting period.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.