Rodent Veterinary Technician
: Job Details :

Requisition ID: 116553

Rodent Veterinary Technician

We are seeking a Rodent Veterinary Technician in the Research Animal Resources (RAR) department who supports Johns Hopkins animal research enterprise in the conduct of research services and veterinary care for rodents and other small animals used in a wide array of animal research studies, even those pertaining to Animal Biosafety Level (ABSL-3) containment studies like COVID-19. This position is integral to developing an integrated animal modeling and veterinary services for Hopkins investigators.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

* Rodent breeding colony management and technical support for investigators and veterinarians, including but not limited to,

* Identifying animals (e.g. ear tagging, ear notching).

* Setting up breeding cages.

* Weaning animals.

* Collecting and submitting samples, including tail tips or ear punch for genotyping.

* Recording pedigree, births, deaths, # weaned and other data electronically.

* Performing cross-foster rederivation.

Technical services for research experiments, including but not limited to,

* Routine rodent bio methodology like blood collection, injections, oral gavage, euthanasia and tissue harvest.

* Perform rodent survival surgical procedures.

* Perform other animal procedures for investigators and veterinarians, including working with infectious agents like SARS-CoV-2.

* Act as liaison between researchers and RAR.

Administrative procedures, including but not limited to,

* Recordkeeping on Excel sheet, Word document, and other platforms.

* Keeping detailed time and procedure records for billing purposes.

* Providing weekly colony reports to investigator/veterinarians.

* Animals and supplies ordering.

* Equipment maintenance.

* Sample, inoculum, and equipment and supplies inventory.

* Coordinate with husbandry personnel provisions for animal care.

* Help train researchers.

* Help maintain equipment like isoflurane gas machines.

* Follow safety protocol for all personnel working in the facility.

* Follow and help implement SOPs, guidelines, and other related documents.

* Maintain strict infection control procedures.

* As assigned by the veterinarian.

Secondary Responsibilities

* Respond to and manage clinical calls independently.

* Consult with veterinarians, as necessary, for clinical case management.

* Perform diagnostic lab techniques like in-house parasitology and basic microscopy.

* Other duties, as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Demonstrated experience using MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.

* Attention to detail.

* Excellent recordkeeping skills, and proficiency with use of computer programs, including spreadsheets, and databases.

* Willingness and ability to learn new skills and knowledge.

* Ability to work independently but must be a team player, and able to cross train with other veterinary technicians, in order to provide cross-coverage as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

* High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.

* One year of related working experience in laboratory animal science or animal research, especially working with rodents.

* Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula

Physical Requirements

* Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.

* Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

* Finger and hand dexterity required to restraint animals and manipulate things.

* Significant standing, walking.

* Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.

* Ability to operate a computer on a frequent basis.

* Ability to see within normal parameters in order to work with animals and visualize work.

* Ability to wear appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) as assigned for the animal housing room, especially a PAPR.

* Must not have allergies to rodents like mice and rats.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in rodent breeding colony management.

* Experience in rodent bio-methodology.

* Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science or Biology preferred.

Classified Title: Veterinary Technician

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Rodent Veterinary Technician

Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC

Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: 40 hours/wk

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: Research Animal Resources

Personnel area: University Administration

Total Rewards

The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Education and Experience Equivalency

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies

Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law

Accommodation Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at ...@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit and all other JHU applicants should visit

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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