Veterinary Technician I

Join the HJF Team!

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

HJF is seeking a Veterinary Technician I who is responsible for providing the daily care of research animals and assisting with research projects as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or supervisor. First of three levels of Veterinary Technicians.

This position will be in support of the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) located at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.

Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years. 

Responsibilities

• Performs various procedures at animal facilities under the supervision of the Attending Veterinarian or designated Clinical Veterinarian and supports the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) staff in their activities while conducting research project related procedures.
• Maintains clean cages and racks in experimental areas; properly feeds the animals.
• Prepares media, solutions, and isotopes.
• Assists in performing some surgery and microsurgery on animals.
• Maintains records to comply with regulatory requirements using good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Train research and DLAR staff members in animal handling, restraint, medication administration, sample collection, health evaluation, and euthanasia.
• Incumbent is responsible for veterinary medical care, husbandry, and research support to a variety of research animal species (such as zebrafish, mice, rats, gerbils, laboratory opossums, ferrets, rabbits, ruminants, swine, nonhuman primates) in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as approved animal research protocols.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic science principles and math.

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Experience handling and working with various laboratory animals (to include nonhuman primates).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) desirable.
• Must be proficient at using software tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel to maintain, create or modify departmental forms or obtain information.

• Ability to use hands effectively to perform surgical preparations.

• Complies with the Institute's occupational health and safety requirements and can perform work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb, pull, and lift heavy objects

Work Environment 

•  This position will take place primarily in a laboratory environment.

 Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.  Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)