Job Summary

Updated on 11/7/23:

The Senior Research Technician will support the missions of the Purdue Translational Pharmacology Facility, and the Preclinical Laboratory within the Center for Clinical, Translational Research. Key responsibilities will include providing expertise on study design and implementation, developing IACUC protocols, and putting those protocols into action. This position will be required to keep running inventory, as well as maintenance of the laboratory. This position will also train and mentor students and junior laboratory staff and contribute to scientific manuscripts and grant proposals.

This position will be filled at either a Research Technician or Lead level. 

Responsibilities:

Research Technician:

• Serve as study coordinator for all phases of study
• Provide care of animals in all phases of research project. This includes surgical and post-surgical biological, radioactive, and laser therapies
• Provide anesthesia/treatments on multiple species of animals
• Assist faculty with surgery and necropsies
• Collect data on biological specimens and measure mechanical and biological events or conditions
• Handle photography and image storage
• Maintain detailed study records and datasheets
• Assemble and operate experimental equipment supplied by sponsors
• Ensure adherence to project protocols for PACUC, DEA, and USDA
• Assist with maintaining PTP and PCL surgical and support areas, including biological monitoring and sterile suites status
• Assist with maintaining DEA files
• Perform data archiving (retired files, resource files, cataloging archived files, etc.)
• Communicate, both in verbal and written form, with investigators, laboratory animals, veterinarians, sponsors, and vendors

Lead Research Technician:

• All requirements of the Research Technician, plus:
• Assist PI in project development
• Perform surgeries and necropsies
• Write IACUC applications and amendments as requested.
• Maintain PTP and PCL surgical and support areas.
• Maintain DEA files
• Act as backup to the core director.
   

Required:

Research Technician:

• Registered Veterinary Technician
• 4 years of experience in direct handling of laboratory animals and livestock, in the care and maintenance of large research animals (dogs, pigs, etc.), in the care and maintenance of rodents, or closely related research or laboratory experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered Associate's + 4 years of related experience)
• Ability to be proactive and think outside the box
• Ability to create a client-friendly work environment where provided services will be timely, efficient, and cost-effective
• Knowledge of anesthesia and monitoring of vital parameters during surgical and non-surgical procedures in a variety of species
• Ability to perform clinical tasks with minimal guidance, such as injections, intubations, and physical exams
• Excellent record-keeping skills

Lead Research Technician:

All requirements of the Research Technician plus:

• Four or more years of experience that includes responsibility for care and maintenance of large research animals (dogs, pigs) and rodents.
• Experience with performing sterile survival surgery on rodents and large animals 
• Experience with research projects employing large animals is and rodents
   

Preferred:

• RVT license
• AALAS certification
• Experience assisting with or performing sterile survival surgery on rodents and large animals
• Experience with catheterization and intubation of rodents and large laboratory animals
• Experience with social habituation of large animals and rodents in research studies
• Experience with research projects employing large animals and rodents
• Experience with pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and behavioral research
• Experience with automated blood sampling techniques

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing.
• FLSA:  Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply