Job Summary

The Veterinary Technician I supports the Animal Resources Department with the provision of routine health care for a variety of laboratory animal species. Performs approved veterinary technician procedures and diagnostic testing with or without direct supervision. May provide laboratory animal training and technical expertise to ARD and researchers. Assists with regular maintenance of supplies, instruments, and equipment.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Monitors & observes animal health care daily; administers medications/treatments as needed and/or as directed.
• Communicates with investigators on health status and animal colony updates.
• Performs regular health checks of animals, as well as routine health surveillance in sentinel animals which can include in-house diagnostic tests and collection/preparation of samples for outside diagnostic testing.
• Maintains clinical records on animals under veterinary care.
• Assists with semi-annual physicals/tb tests on NHP; as well as assists the Veterinarians with surgeries and follow-up veterinary care.
• Performs humane euthanasia as needed and/or as directed.
• Performs routine clinical procedures and in-house diagnostic tests which can include animal restraint, handling, examinations, blood and tissue collection, as well as collecting and preparing samples on a variety of laboratory animal species.
• Prepares, formulates, calculates, administers and documents therapeutic regimens prescribed by veterinarians.
• May provide research study support, assisting investigators with blood and tissue sampling and animal dosing.
• Assists in maintaining veterinary supplies, equipment, organization and cleanliness of procedure rooms.
• Assists veterinarians with procedures as directed, which may include necropsies.
• May provide training in laboratory animal science and Salk IACUC mandatory training requirements.
• Performs general administrative duties, which can include assisting with ARD inventory and drug usage records, as well as filing, maintaining lab reports, and documentation for maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• Required: Minimum one (1) year animal experience and/or RVT training through schooling
• Required: Graduation from AVMA or State of California approved animal health technician program and eligible to sit for VTNE.
• Required: basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Preferred: One (1) year of experience in a laboratory/clinical veterinary animal facility or research facility, proficiency in anesthesia, animal husbandry, handling and restraint, blood sampling, injections and administering medications.
• Preferred: AALAS certification of ALAT or higher, RVT (or CVT/LVT).
• Must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to work assigned schedule of 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with any of these shifts; Monday - Friday/ Sunday-Thursday/ Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Sunday.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15-$25.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.