UNIV-Agricultural/Animal Associate II-DLAR - THURMOND/GAZES RESEARCH BLDG | MUSC Job

Job Description Summary

To provide support within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR), including nursing care for all laboratory animals at the Medical University of South Carolina and teaching basic skills in aseptic technique, basic surgery, animal research techniques, and handling. These activities will ensure minimal required knowledge of investigators, technicians, and students conducting research with animals.

Position requires the ability to work with minimal supervision and carry out specific medical orders. Requires the ability to independently triage new conditions and manage treatments and clinical cases across several species and situations with general supervision by their supervisor. Requires the ability to work and communicate cooperatively within a team to provide consistent veterinary care and research support.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Classified

Cost Center

CC001152 DLAR Division Of Laboratory Animal Resources

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN09

Pay Range

53,142.00 - 71,706.00 - 90,372.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Responsibility 1.1 Maintain Animal Care and Animal Welfare- Weight 25%

Objective: Ensure the health, well-being, and humane care of research animals by providing veterinary support, monitoring

animal health, performing clinical procedures, and maintaining compliance with animal welfare regulations, IACUC protocols,

and institutional standards.

Expectation 1: Deliver High-Quality Animal Care and Clinical Support

·    Provide timely and appropriate veterinary support services, including clinical treatments, anesthesia assistance, post-procedural monitoring, and follow-up care to support animal health and welfare.

·    Conduct animal observations and assessments to identify clinical concerns, abnormalities, or welfare issues and communicate findings promptly to the Clinical Veterinarian.

·    Perform technical procedures and clinical interventions in accordance with approved protocols, veterinary direction, and departmental standards.

·    Support humane endpoints, euthanasia procedures, and animal care activities in a manner that prioritizes animal well-being and minimizes pain and distress.

·    Exercise sound judgment and work independently to address animal health concerns while maintaining accurate communication with veterinary and research staff.

Expectation 2: Support Research Activities While Maintaining Compliance and Animal Welfare

·    Provide technical and veterinary support for approved research activities while ensuring the humane care and use of research animals.

·    Consistently follow IACUC-approved protocols, DLAR SOPs, institutional policies, biohazard and chemical safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

·    Provide training to research and animal care personnel on animal handling, welfare practices, clinical observations, and aseptic technique.

·    Promote a culture of compliance, animal welfare, professionalism, and research integrity through effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Responsibility 1.2 Performing Veterinary Technician Duties/Clinical Observations- Weight 35%

Objective: Provide comprehensive veterinary nursing and clinical support services that promote animal health, welfare, and research integrity by performing daily clinical rounds, administering treatments, delivering emergency and post-procedural care, supporting surgical and anesthetic procedures, collecting clinical samples, maintaining accurate medical records, and ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with veterinary direction, approved research protocols, animal welfare regulations, and institutional standards.

Expectation 1: Perform Clinical Rounds, Health Assessments, and Veterinary Care

·    Conduct daily clinical rounds to assess animal health, well-being, and post-procedural recovery.

·    Recognize, evaluate, and report signs of illness, pain, distress, injury, or abnormal behavior.

·    Perform follow-up evaluations and monitor animals receiving treatment or supportive care.

·    Provide emergency, critical care, and post-surgical care under the direction of clinical veterinarians.

·    Respond promptly to animal health concerns and communicate findings to appropriate veterinary personnel.

·    Provide backup support to Clinical Veterinary Technicians as needed.

Expectation 2: Administer Treatments and Clinical Procedures

·    Administer medications, therapies, supplemental fluids, and other treatments using species-appropriate techniques.

·    Calculate, verify and record drug dosages accurately prior to administration.

·    Collect biological samples using approved procedures and proper restraint techniques.

·    Monitor animals for treatment effectiveness and adverse reactions.

·    Follow established standards of care, veterinary directives, DLAR SOPs, and approved protocols when performing clinical procedures.

Expectation 3: Support Surgical and Anesthesia Activities

·    Assist with peri-operative and intra-operative animal care during research procedures.

·    Prepare animals, equipment, supplies, and medications required for surgical procedures.

·    Monitor anesthetized animals and document clinical observations throughout procedures.

·    Support post-anesthetic recovery and promptly report complications or abnormalities.

Expectation 4: Maintain Documentation, Compliance, and Communication Standards

·    Accurately document clinical observations, treatments, procedures, sample collections, and outcomes in medical records.

·    Follow all IACUC protocols, DLAR SOPs, institutional policies, and animal welfare regulations.

·    Communicate animal health concerns, treatment updates, and clinical findings to veterinarians, investigators, and authorized personnel.

·    Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and accountability in all veterinary and research support activities.

Responsibility: 1.3 Research Support Duties- Weight 10%

Objective: Provide high-quality research support services by assisting investigators and research personnel with animal procedures, delivering technical expertise during research activities, and performing humane euthanasia for terminal procedures in accordance with approved protocols, animal welfare regulations, and institutional standards. Ensure research

activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with IACUC requirements while promoting animal welfare, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Expectation 1: Provide Technical Support for Research Procedures

·    Prepare animals, equipment, supplies, and procedural areas for research activities.

·    Perform appropriate animal handling and restraint techniques to support research procedures safely and effectively.

·    Monitor animals during procedures and promptly communicate concerns or abnormalities to veterinary staff and investigators.

·    Ensure IACUC protocols, DLAR SOCs and DLAR SOPs, and investigator instructions are followed during all research support activities.

Expectation 2: Perform Humane Euthanasia for Terminal Procedures

·    Perform euthanasia using approved methods in accordance with AVMA Guidelines, IACUC protocols, and institutional requirements.

·    Verify animal identification and protocol requirements prior to performing euthanasia.

·    Ensure humane handling and welfare considerations are maintained throughout the euthanasia process.

·    Recognize and appropriately address complications or concerns related to euthanasia procedures.

·    Accurately document euthanasia activities and maintain required records.

·    Promptly communicate procedural concerns, unexpected outcomes, or protocol deviations to appropriate personnel.

Responsibility: 1.4 Administrative and Record-Keeping- Weight 10%

Objective: Maintain accurate, complete, and timely clinical documentation that supports animal health, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and research activities. Ensure medical records, treatment sheets, and clinical databases are current and accurate, facilitate timely follow-up of clinical cases by DLAR Veterinarians, and effectively communicate animal health information and case updates with veterinary staff and research personnel while adhering to departmental, institutional, and federal regulatory requirements.

Expectation 1: Maintain Accurate Clinical Records and Documentation

·    Accurately document clinical observations, treatments, procedures, and veterinary recommendations for all species.

·    Maintain complete, timely, and organized medical records in accordance with departmental standards and federal regulatory requirements.

·    Ensure cage cards, treatment sheets, case records, and related clinical documentation are current and accurate.

·    Enter and update information in clinical databases promptly following examinations, treatments, or case updates.

·    Maintain documentation that is audit-ready and supports regulatory compliance, inspections, and protocol reviews.

Expectation 2: Coordinate Clinical Case Follow-Up and Communication

·    Ensure clinical cases are communicated to DLAR Veterinarians and research personnel for timely review and follow-up.

·    Monitor open cases and assist with tracking treatment plans, rechecks, and case outcomes.

Expectation 3: Maintain Database Accuracy and Regulatory Compliance

·    Review records routinely for completeness, accuracy, and consistency and verify that treatment records, clinical databases, and tracking systems accurately reflect current case information.

·    Follow DLAR SOPs, institutional policies, IACUC requirements, and applicable federal regulations related to recordkeeping.

·    Protect confidentiality and ensure appropriate handling of veterinary and research-related information.

Responsibility: 1.5 Perform Training Duties. Weight 10%

Objective: Provide effective training and technical instruction to DLAR and research personnel in rodent handling, restraint, injection techniques, anesthesia, aseptic technique, animal observation, and basic surgical principles. As well as the recognition, observation and reporting of clinical signs and animal health abnormalities. Promote animal welfare, research integrity, and regulatory compliance by ensuring trainees develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to perform procedures safely, humanely, and in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols, DLAR SOPs, institutional policies, and applicable animal care and use regulations. Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and excellence in animal care and research support.

Expectation 1: Deliver Effective Training and Skill Development

·    Provide training and hands-on instruction in rodent handling and restraint, injections, anesthesia, aseptic technique, animal observation, and basic surgical principles.

·    Demonstrate techniques accurately and ensure trainees understand proper procedures, animal welfare considerations, and safety requirements.

·    Assess trainee competency and provide constructive coaching to promote technical proficiency and confidence.

Expectation 2: Promote Compliance, Animal Welfare, and Research Integrity

·    Maintain familiarity with current DLAR SOCs and DLAR SOPs, policies, and operational procedures relevant to assigned duties.

·    Complete required training, retraining, SOP reviews and acknowledgements, safety certifications, and other mandatory learning requirements by established deadlines.

·    Participate in required training, continuing education, and competency assessments to maintain proficiency in veterinary, animal care, and research support practices.

·    Emphasize humane animal handling, welfare monitoring, and the ethical conduct of animal research during all training activities.

·    Serve as a technical resource for DLAR and research personnel by answering questions and providing guidance on animal procedures and best practices.

·    Maintain current knowledge of animal care techniques, regulations, and training standards to ensure information provided is accurate and up to date.

·    Foster a culture of professionalism, continuous learning, and accountability that supports animal welfare, compliance, and research success.

·    Reinforce safe work practices, proper PPE use, and adherence to biohazard and occupational health requirements.

·    Promote a culture of continuous learning, regulatory compliance, professional accountability, and high standards of animal care and welfare.

Responsibility: 1.6 Perform Animal Enrichment Duties. Weight 5%

Objective: Promote animal health, psychological well-being, and overall welfare by providing routine enrichment, socialization, and behavioral support for USDA-regulated animals in accordance with species-specific needs, animal welfare standards, DLAR SOPs, and approved animal care programs. Monitor animal responses to enrichment activities, identify behavioral or welfare concerns, and collaborate with veterinary and animal care staff to enhance quality of life, reduce stress, and support the humane care and use of research animals while maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Expectation 1: Provide Effective Enrichment and Socialization Support

·    Deliver routine enrichment activities and socialization opportunities in accordance with species-specific behavioral needs and approved animal care plans and SOPs.

• Maintain enrichment devices, supplies, and environments in a safe, sanitary, and functional condition.

• Demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and accountability in ensuring enrichment programs are consistently implemented and documented as required.

 

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and four years of work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Certification in an animal care technology field may be required for positions overseeing the care of laboratory animals. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to climb using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100 ° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. to 30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to file boxes from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes from floor level to a maximum height of 72". (Infrequent) Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors, from floor level to a height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops (Frequent) Ability to reach, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to conduct a variety of hand pipefitting operations. (Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision in both eyes, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous) Ability to qualify for the use of cartridge respirators. (Continuous) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent) May require working with animals of various sizes.

DLAR Job Description Physical Requirements

DLAR Job Description Physical Requirements

Continuous (6–8 hours per shift)

·    Ability to stand and walk throughout animal facilities for extended periods.

·    Ability to perform job functions while sitting, standing, and walking.

·    Ability to work in confined or restricted spaces within animal facilities.

·    Ability to maintain good visual acuity (20/40 vision, corrected) to inspect animals, cages, equipment, and records.

·    Ability to distinguish colors for cage cards, labels, animal identification, and equipment indicators.

·    Ability to maintain normal olfactory function to recognize unusual odors associated with animal health, sanitation, equipment malfunctions, or chemical exposure.

·    Ability to hear and recognize alarms, equipment alerts, and emergency notifications.

·    Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, gowns, gloves, eye protection, and shoe covers, and qualify for respirator use when required.

·    Ability to perform repetitive hand movements for documentation, computer use, cage handling, and equipment operation.

·    Ability to communicate effectively with staff, investigators, and visitors.

Frequent (2–6 hours per shift)

·    Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stretch, twist, and climb while performing husbandry inspections and supervisory rounds.

·    Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 30 pounds without assistance.

·    Ability to move cages, racks, feed bags, bedding containers, waste containers, and other husbandry supplies.

·    Ability to push and maneuver loaded cage racks, carts, and equipment throughout the facility.

·    Ability to use step stools or small ladders to safely access upper cage rack levels.

·    Ability to perform facility inspections requiring movement throughout multiple buildings and animal rooms.

·    Ability to use computers, tablets, scanners, and other electronic equipment for documentation and inventory management.

Infrequent (0–2 hours per shift)

·    Ability to lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance in accordance with departmental safe lifting practices.

·    Ability to work in temperature extremes, including cold rooms, cage wash areas, and mechanical spaces.

·    Ability to climb ladders when necessary to inspect equipment or facility systems.

·    Ability to work in dusty, noisy, humid, or wet environments associated with cage wash and animal housing operations.

·    Ability to assist with emergency response activities requiring extended physical effort.

·    Ability to work with animals of various species, sizes, and temperaments, including lifting or restraining animals when necessary.

·    Ability to travel between campus locations or off-site facilities as required.

Working Conditions

·    Regular exposure to laboratory animals, animal allergens, bedding dust, disinfectants, cleaning chemicals, and biological materials.

·    Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

·    May be required to work weekends, holidays, evenings, or participate in an on-call rotation to support facility operations and animal welfare.

·    Must maintain the physical ability to respond promptly to emergencies affecting animal welfare, facility operations, or research activities.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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