Technical Specialist

Role Description:  

An Animal Research Technician working with the Equine Team and supporting a Biocontainment and Biomedical Research environment at the Zoetis Richland, Michigan site. Primary species of responsibility are horses but may also include other livestock.  Must properly use and maintain all necessary equipment and follow proper techniques as determined by departmental SOPs and institutional Policies. 

Responsibilities:  

• Perform all phases of clinical and pre-clinical animal studies  associated with the discovery and/or development of animal health products.  

• Sets up and performs a variety of animal activities, including husbandry, sample collection, processing analysis, data handling, record keeping, and laboratory and instrument maintenance in accordance with applicable Animal Welfare and GXP policies. 

• Carries out duties according to protocol and applicable SOPs. Assist with all aspects of study execution including but not limited to: in-vivo study protocol review; animal procurement; biological sample collection and data collection in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

• Lead and manage study execution. 

• Clean and disinfect penning and rooms.  

• Utilizes knowledge of how functional areas are used and maintained in the completion of research protocols.   

• Responsible for all steps of room maintenance related to studies, with priority on cleaning and disinfecting. 

• Communicate with and assists managers and researchers and supports the clinical veterinarians with all aspects of veterinary care. 

• Helps onboard new employees and serve as a mentor. 

• Provide training in standard animal procedures which may include handling, dosing, biological sampling, end of study, necropsy, and biosecurity. 

• Identify and implement process improvements and share knowledge and expertise with others in work group. 

• Operate a variety of equipment, including, but not limited to, skidsteers, loaders, and animal handling equipment. 

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma + 4 years related experience or education combined 

• Flexibility, enthusiasm, and adaptability within the work environment, and a track record of successfully working in a fast-paced setting involving multiple projects and tasks. 

• Demonstrated math and reading comprehension required.  

• Extensive horse handling experience required 

Desirable attributes: 

• Bachelors degree in Animal Science/AALAS Certification 

• Previous experience in an animal research setting 

• Basic computer skills including navigating the internet and communicating via email. 

Physical Position Requirements: 

• Ability to lift 50 Ibs routinely. 

• Weekend and holiday work expected and performed on rotation. 

• Ability to withstand frequent twisting and bending throughout the day. 

• Must be able and willing to start work as early as 4:30am as appropriate. 

• Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a very high level of personal hygiene to be maintained while at work.