Noble Life Sciences (Noble) is an award-winning small but rapidly growing business. A preclinical contract research organization (CRO), providing services in the fields of drug, vaccine, and medical device development and testing. Services offered range from early product discovery through GLP-compliant studies for regulatory submissions. The company offers integrated preclinical drug development services including cellular and animal disease model design and development, non-GLP and GLP efficacy, toxicity, biodistribution, and product release studies in a broad range of animal species. You can learn more about our company and our values at www.noblelifesci.com
Department:
Veterinary Services / In Vivo Operations Reports to: Clinical Veterinarian through the
Veterinary Services Manager Location:
Noble Life Sciences, Sykesville, MD — on-site
Status:
Part-time/Consultant (8 to 30 hours per week, highly variable) Schedule Mon-Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with occasional early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays to support study timelines and post-operative animal care Position Summary The Surgical Veterinary Technician supports the design and execution of surgical animal models used in preclinical research studies. This role covers the full surgical cycle — pre-operative preparation, anesthesia induction and monitoring, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative recovery and care — while maintaining aseptic technique, animal welfare standards, and complete, contemporaneous documentation. This position supports both GLP and non-GLP studies, often concurrently. The successful candidate is comfortable working to the full documentation and traceability standard required under 21 CFR Part 58 on regulated studies, while working efficiently and flexibly on exploratory and discovery-stage work — and knows which standard applies to which study at all times. Work is performed under the direction of the Clinical Veterinarian and in accordance with approved IACUC protocols and Noble SOPs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Surgical Support Prepare surgical suites, instruments, and sterile packs; operate and maintain autoclaves and sterilization logs Perform pre-operative animal preparation including weighing, clipping, aseptic site prep, catheter placement, and draping Serve as sterile or non-sterile assistant during procedures: instrument handling, tissue retraction, hemostasis support, suturing and wound closure as delegated Perform technical procedures within scope and training, such as blood collection, IV/IP/SC/IM dosing, gavage, implant placement, and tumor cell inoculation Anesthesia and Analgesia Calculate, prepare, and administer anesthetic and analgesic agents per protocol and veterinary direction Induce, maintain, and recover animals under inhalant and injectable anesthesia Monitor and record depth of anesthesia and vital parameters (ECG, SpO2, EtCO2, temperature, respiratory and heart rate); escalate deviations promptly Maintain controlled substance records, reconciliation, and secure storage in compliance with DEA and state requirements Post-Operative and Animal Care Provide recovery monitoring, thermal support, fluid therapy, and pain management Perform daily post-operative assessments including incision checks, suture/staple removal, bandage changes, and body condition scoring Recognize and report clinical abnormalities, adverse events, and humane endpoints to the veterinary staff Assist with euthanasia, necropsy, and tissue collection as required by protocol Documentation and Compliance Record surgical, anesthesia, and clinical observations accurately and contemporaneously in study records and raw data forms Work in compliance with IACUC-approved protocols, USDA AWA, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, PHS Policy, and AAALAC standards and
GLP 21 CFR
Part 58 requirements General Maintain clean, organized, and compliant work areas; support facility biosecurity practices Qualifications Required Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience 2+ years of hands-on surgical and anesthesia experience, ideally with small and/or large animal species Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique and sterile field maintenance Strong written documentation skills and demonstrated attention to data integrity, including legible, contemporaneous, and attributable recordkeeping Willingness to work with laboratory animal species, including mice, rats, rabbits, swine, sheep, and goats Preferred Credentialed veterinary technician (RVT, LVT, CVT) in good standing AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia) or VTS (Surgical) certification Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Sound clinical judgment and the ability to recognize early signs of distress or anesthetic complication Willingness to stop, ask, and document when appropriate. Comfort working independently and as part of a cross-functional study team Flexibility to adapt to shifting study schedules and priorities Commitment to the ethical treatment of animals and the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) Physical Requirements and Work Environment Ability to stand for extended periods and maintain fine motor control during procedures Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and to restrain animals safely Exposure to animal allergens, dander, anesthetic gases, chemicals, sharps, and biohazardous materials; use of required PPE and participation in the occupational health and safety program, including respirator fit testing and vaccinations as indicated Work in ABSL-1 and surgical suite environments Compensation- $25.00-$35.00/hour, depending on experience
Job Type:
Part-time Pay:
Up to $35.00 per hour Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred) Overnight Shift (Preferred) Ability to
