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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a Veterinary Support Associate. This position supports 7 faculty veterinarians and 4 veterinary residents in providing animal health care and professional services supporting the research mission of the College of Medicine. Observe animals and report signs of pain and distress, abnormalities, sickness or injury using independent judgment in assessing need for veterinary intervention. Administer treatments to animals at the direction of the veterinarian. Performs a variety of specialized and complex duties including research procedures, data collection, deliver and monitor anesthesia, assist with preparation of laboratory animals for surgery. Assist with animal restraint, treatments, sample collections, etc.., including medical treatments, Uses independent judgment in assessing the need for veterinary intervention. Under the direction of the Director of Training, coordinates and provides hands-on training to research staff, animal care staff and students. Demonstrates and trains others in basic experimental procedures, aseptic technique, monitoring of animals under anesthesia, restraint of animals, use of equipment, etc. Assist with set-up and tear-down of training classes, order supplies, and prepare instruments and equipment for sessions. Contributes to the maintenance of animal program compliance with federal regulations.  Anesthetize, prepare and monitor animals undergoing specialized imaging procedures such as MRI or ultrasound imaging following standardized SOPs. Monitor animals during recovery until return to research staff. At the direction of veterinary or research staff support research projects by performing standardized experimental manipulations such as oral gavage, drug administration, sample collection, and data collection. Assist with maintaining an inventory of drugs and supplies including ordering, auditing stock to ensure drugs and materials are in date, and filling requests for drugs and supplies. Assist other staff with preparation of the OR, washing and assembly of surgical instrument packs, testing and maintenance of anesthesia and other equipment. Assist veterinary staff with herd health maintenance such as vaccinations, anthelmintic treatments, hoof trimming and other procedures. The individual will be required to keep accurate records of time and effort and cost of materials, drugs and other supplies used in carrying out their duties for the purposes of charging back for their services and preparation of an annual cost analysis. Requires a