POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Rodent Surgery and Anesthesia Specialist will provide training and support to UMass Chan researchers that conduct rodent surgeries and or anesthesia.  The specialist will collaborate with the IACUC to ensure institutional needs and regulatory compliance are met. This position is considered essential, and may require weekend, holiday and off hours’ coverage as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Train research personnel in basic small animal surgical techniques including but not limited to presurgical setup and animal evaluation, anesthesia, aseptic technique, analgesia, intra-and post-surgical monitoring and care, drug dose calculation, and related record keeping.
• In collaboration with or referral from the IACUC, act as a resource for research personnel to consult on anesthesia, analgesia, and surgical technique, to help improve compliance and research outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and legible records of training and consulting activities
• Maintain accurate and legible animal health records, surgical records, and controlled drug logbooks.
• Perform pre- and post- surgical health assessments of animals when applicable.
• Perform fee-for-service surgeries on rodents as requested.
• Identify process improvements for small animal surgical protocols and procedures, including anesthetic and analgesic regimens.
• Aid in preapproval, revision and management of protocols, SOP’s, policies, and guidelines.
• Effectively communicate with staff, researchers, veterinarians, and the IACUC
• Perform clinical evaluations of laboratory animals.
• Provide clinical treatments under the guidance of a VCS veterinarian. Administer drugs, fluids, vaccinations, and euthanasia.
• Conducts training for veterinary services as needed.
• Identify and report animal welfare concerns and or IACUC protocol deviations.
• Identify and report atypical findings within the physical plant including animal housing conditions, maintenance deficiencies, and safety hazards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in the veterinary field with anesthesia and analgesia experience.
• Academy of Surgical Research certification
• Ability to use equipment associated with surgical procedures such as rodent anesthesia machines, precision vaporizers, warming pads, restrainers, surgical instruments.
• Excellent communication, customer service, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
• Experience in common laboratory animal research techniques including animal handling, restraint, biological sample collection, injection techniques, surgical & post-operative techniques, and euthanasia.
• Extensive knowledge of rodent barrier facility operations and associated regulatory requirements.
• AALAS certification at the LATg level

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

5-10 years teaching or training experience.

Current CVT licensure.