Veterinary Assistant

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid leave

Generous tuition benefits

Retirement planning options

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A public research university in Virginia seeks a Veterinary Assistant to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to its veterinary care program. Candidates should have experience with laboratory animals, strong communication skills, and the ability to recognize signs of distress in animals. The role offers a supportive environment with training provided. Full-time position with a salary range of $40,000–$45,000.

Qualifications

• Experience working with laboratory animals in a research animal facility or clinical practice.
• Knowledge of administering medications.
• Ability to recognize signs of disease and distress in various species.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the veterinary care program.
• Assist with advanced diagnostic procedures and surgical support.
• Maintain the veterinary services calendar and manage scheduling.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Basic computer knowledge

Education

Bachelor or Associate’s Degree

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Join to apply for the Veterinary Assistant role at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Unit

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department

Department: Animal Care Facility

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Responsibilities

The primary role of this position is to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the veterinary care program of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). This position plays a critical role in assisting with the smooth operation of the veterinary services. The candidate will work directly with the staff veterinarians and veterinary technicians, provide restraint of laboratory animals for physical examinations, assist with advanced diagnostic procedures, such as radiology and diagnostic specimen collection. Additional responsibilities include supporting hands‑on training classes, administering medications and providing surgical support as needed. The candidate must be able to recognize signs of disease and distress in a wide variety of species and report health conditions or behavior. The candidate will assist technicians managing delegated DAR‑maintained spaces, such as the surgical suites, procedural/training spaces, and equipment, including responsibilities like scheduling, cleaning, restocking and maintenance of equipment. Administrative duties include maintaining the veterinary services calendar, scheduling training programs, record‑keeping, billing, data entry, and direct communication with researchers for scheduling, training, or compliance issues. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills, along with a basic understanding of animal research. In return, the department will provide training in all required techniques and offer a supportive working environment. While the duties are performed primarily during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, the candidate will also participate in a rotating University holiday schedule, assigned in advance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• The incumbent must have several years of recent experience working with laboratory animals in a research animal facility or multiple species in clinical practice.
• Must have knowledge and skills in: humanely handling and restraining animals, recognizing signs of disease and distress in a wide variety of species.
• Knowledge of administering medications.
• Ability to listen and communicate professionally and effectively on the phone, in person and by email.
• Skills in dealing with individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to work accurately and with detail to complete tasks in an orderly and timely fashion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associate’s Degree.
• American Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences certification.
• Knowledge of both rodent and large animal restraint or techniques is preferred.
• Experience with surgical instruments/pack preparation.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency laws, policies and procedures relating to laboratory animal husbandry to retain accreditation.

Salary Range: $40,000–$45,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Name: Niki Boyd

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research

Industries

• Higher Education