Veterinary Technician

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit a 1-page cover letter outlining your specific interest in this position; also attach a full CV and provide two professional references (if possible).

Job Summary

The Michigan Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides outstanding, state-of-the-art, evidence-based care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. As well, our faculty, staff, and trainees conduct a diverse range of musculoskeletal research and scholarship. The department's research program integral to its mission and vision of leading advances in musculoskeletal health, through excellence and innovative care, scientific discovery, and dedicated teaching.

Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (ORL) is conducted by a diverse group of faculty, staff and trainees with expertise in biology, engineering, epidemiology, health outcomes and healthcare. The collaborative research programs are focused on improving treatment or preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disease. Primary basic science research operations are located at the Biomedical Science Research Building, with additional clinical research sites. ORL website: https://orl.med.umich.edu/

The Lang Laboratory is assembling an interdisciplinary team dedicated to uncovering new insights into musculoskeletal tissue oxygenation and exploring the role of erythrocyte function and development in musculoskeletal health, injury, and disease. Our goal is to regenerate bone, restore cartilage, and advance biomaterials. Lab website: https://lang.lab.medicine.umich.edu/

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Veterinary Technician to join our team. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment and perform experimental procedures on laboratory mice, including surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system (e.g., femoral fracture model with external fixation, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis induction). Responsibilities also include providing medical care, pain management, monitoring animal health, training lab staff, supporting research projects, contributing to refinement initiatives, advancing animal care standards, and supporting translational research.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

• At least 75% of the role will involve direct animal support.
• Assist in experimental planning, writing animal protocols, and ensuring adherence to relevant guidelines and regulations.
• Perform experimental procedures on laboratory mice, including musculoskeletal surgeries (e.g., femoral fracture model with external fixation, post-traumatic osteoarthritis induction).
• Provide medical care and pain management for mice.
• Monitor animal health and wellbeing using non-invasive scoring methods.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff.
• Implement the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), including tunnel handling and environmental enrichment, to improve animal care and research practices.
• Contribute to diverse research projects, participate in lab meetings, and collaborate with other research team members.
• Maintain animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory agency guidelines.
• Maintain surgical equipment and the surgical area.

Required Qualifications*

• Associates degree in animal health technology.
• 1-3 years of experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Must have an active Veterinary Technical license in the United States and has passed the VTNE exam and be licensed in Michigan.
• Experience related to animal handling, methods of blood collection and drug administration, and anesthesiology.
• Experience performing surgical procedures.
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Strong team spirit, with a willingness to support other lab members and work independently.
• Competent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, a methodical and systematic work approach, and diligent note-taking abilities.
• Ability to adhere to laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in a laboratory research environment.
• Experience in behavioral assessment and experimental design.
• Experience with musculoskeletal-related animal models.
• Experience in tissue and cell collection, as well as basic tissue analysis methods, such as histology.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.