Veterinary Care & Research Support Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a dedicated staff member to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the Division of Animal Resources’ veterinary care program. The role includes restraining laboratory animals, assisting with radiology and diagnostic procedures, administering medications, and offering surgical support.

You will help manage spaces, scheduling, and equipment while maintaining records and coordinating with researchers.

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animals in a research facility or veterinary practice.
• Humane handling and restraint of rodents and large animals; ability to recognize disease signs across species.
• Experience administering medications to animals.
• Experience with autoclaves, surgical instruments and pack preparation.
• Strong verbal and written communication; professional interaction with staff.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate animal health records.
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently while supporting veterinarians, technicians, and researchers.

Responsibilities

• Restrain laboratory animals for physical examinations.
• Assist with advanced diagnostic procedures including radiology and specimen collection.
• Administer medications and provide surgical support as needed.
• Assist with DAR-maintained spaces, scheduling, cleaning, restocking, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain veterinary services calendar, training schedules, records, and billing.
• Communicate with researchers for scheduling, training, or compliance issues.
• Support training classes and provide hands-on assistance as needed.

Skills

Animal care

Animal restraint

Medication administration

Surgical support

Communication skills

Data entry

Team collaboration

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Veterinary Assistant certification

AALAS certification

Regulatory knowledge awareness

Experience with anesthesia/surgery/radiology

Job description

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a dedicated staff member to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the Division of Animal Resources’ veterinary care program. The role includes restraining laboratory animals, assisting with radiology and diagnostic procedures, administering medications, and offering surgical support.

You will help manage spaces, scheduling, and equipment while maintaining records and coordinating with researchers.