We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced small animal Surgical Research Technician (SRT) join our In Vivo team supporting the research needs of the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector. The qualified candidate will have the ability to perform routine surgical procedures and demonstrate subject matter expertise and proficiency in experimental surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia in rodents.

$25.00 – $30.00 an hour, Full-Time

 JOB SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The SRT will be experienced in performing small animal survival surgery and will perform a variety of surgical procedures in research rodents. The successful candidate will participate in routine pre-clinical pharmacology research activities along with assisting in various data collection and technical procedures. Individuals must demonstrate strong technical aptitude and communication and organizational skills while being able to work efficiently in individual and team settings. The SRT will:

• Independently perform surgeries in rodents maintaining industry standards in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Develop new and/or continued refinement of surgical techniques and procedures
• Provide perioperative care including proper use and administration of balanced anesthesia, analgesia and pain management in rodents
• Ensure flawless animal care and welfare in conducting research studies
• Recognize technical issues and develop corrective and preventative actions
• Review and author technical documents for In Vivo procedures
• Perform intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous or oral administration of agents to rodents
• Perform blood collection (cardiac puncture, tail bleed, retro-orbital) on research rodents
• Perform gross necropsy, organ harvest and morphological measures
• Adhere to company standards, research SOPs and required safety procedures.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule including night and weekend coverage

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• An experienced small animal surgeon with at least 3 years of animal model development and surgery in a research setting
• A motivated, hardworking individual with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, impeccable organizational skills and a passion for working with animals
• Willingness to work occasional weekends, holidays and overtime with supplementary compensation

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory setting with direct exposure to/handling of laboratory animals
• May work with potentially hazardous substances not limited to known /potential teratogens or carcinogens and/or radiolabeled test materials
• Work will require PPE (personal protective equipment)
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and efficiently
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
• Accurately calculate and record numbers
• Good teamwork skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook)

 PBI PROVIDES EMPLOYEES A FULL BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDING:

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Eligible for bonuses and pay increases dependent on personal and company performance
• Personal growth opportunities through on the job experiences in a small growing business
• Differential pay for off-hour and holiday shifts

MINIMUM EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in small animal surgery required.
• Requires at least a BS degree in related scientific discipline with 3-6 years of applicable laboratory experience.
• LAT Certification desirable
• Surgical Research Technician (SRT) Certification desirable
• A basic understanding of animal physiology and pharmacology are essential.
• Understanding of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the animal research field.
• Level of position & compensation will be commensurate with experience.

JOB TYPE:

• Non-Exempt full-time 40+ hours a week

ABOUT PLATO BIOPHARMA:

Plato BioPharma, Inc. (PBI) is a pre-clinical contract research organization (CRO) supporting the research needs of the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector.

PBI was founded in 2010 by Dr. Craig Plato who had the vision to build a world-class preclinical drug discovery CRO specializing in In Vivo physiological and pharmacological studies with complimentary biochemical, biomarker and histology analysis in the cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, diabetes and hepatic therapeutic areas.

Since its founding, PBI has continued to grow in both capacity and expertise, thus providing integrated pre-clinical In Vivo and discovery pharmacology services to an expanding number of clients in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology sectors.