Veterinary Associate - Boston, MA

Rodent Surgeon/Research Associate/Veterinary Technician

Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and consumer health products, as well as animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company - one that is ready to help create a healthier future for all of us.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Under the general direction of the research veterinarian, the incumbent provides clinical and diagnostic technical support to achieve optimal laboratory animal health. The responsibilities also include the conduct of approved in vivo research protocols. The incumbent is able to apply fundamental principles, experience, and techniques to the solution of complex problems. Exercises a reasonable degree of initiative and independent in performing work. Provides training or guidance for one or more junior staff members or research staff in specific assignments. Exercises care to help insure personnel safety and animal welfare, in compliance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), MRL study requirements, and all applicable local, state and federal regulations and guidelines.

* Performs multiple animal surgical procedures; surgical and non-surgical procedural assistance along with surgical instrument and pack preparation; sterilization of instrumentation via various methods.
* Under the direction of the veterinarian, provides veterinary care for MRL research animals, including vaccination, grooming, and dental hygiene, consistent with professional standards. Assures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines for animal care and use.
* Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with departmental and research staff. Documents experimental data in technical notebooks or approved electronic formats. Maintains accurate, timely, and well-organized records.
* Initiates and pursues career development opportunities, including participation in recommended educational and training opportunities to expand skills and knowledge. Reviews the relevant veterinary, lab animal, and medical literature or order to advise and support the MRL community.
* Establishes and maintains collaborations with departmental and MRL research staff. This may include provision of professional and technical support for surgical model development, anesthesia protocols, various imaging modalities, and/or activities related to the pharmacokinetic drug metabolism assessment of test compounds. Assist in study design, data analysis and interpretation, and report generation.
* Maintains and provides inventory of surgical instruments, medical/surgical/procedural supplies
* Monitors the effectiveness of the environmental enrichment plan by performing regular behavior assessments of research animals. Provides feedback to senior staff on modifications needed to meet the behavioral needs of individual animals.
* Performs basic diagnostic testing procedures including sentinel animal processing, gross necropsy, microbiological testing, microscopy, parasitology, and other veterinary procedures.
* Is included in rotational weekend and holiday duty, including surgical animal care and treatments.

Education Minimum Requirement:
* Requires Bachelor's Degree in laboratory animal science, animal health technology, medical technology, biology, or a related life science.

Required Experience and Skills:
* A minimum of 5-7 years experience as an animal health technician or research technician
* AALAS certification as Laboratory Animal Technologist and participation in the certification Registry (RLATg) is preferred.


To apply, contact career@mountida.edu for directions.