Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Position Summary The Veterinary Surgical Assistant supports in vivo preclinical research activities involving large animal models, including pigs, dogs, sheeps, and monkeys, and other species as applicable. This is a highly hands-on onsite role supporting surgical procedures, animal handling, perioperative activities, and daily research operations in a fast-paced preclinical research environment.

The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable working in an animal research environment, and interested in supporting translational research and surgical studies while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and operational excellence.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Assist with surgical procedures involving large animal models, including pigs and other species as applicable

Support preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative activities

Safely handle, restrain, move, and monitor animals using approved safety procedures and team-lift practices

Prepare surgical suites, instruments, supplies, and study materials

Assist with anesthesia monitoring, procedural setup, and recovery support

Maintain accurate study documentation and operational records

Support daily in vivo research operations and study activities

Collaborate with veterinarians, Study Directors, research staff, and operational teams

Ensure compliance with company SOPs, biosafety standards, and animal welfare regulations

Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgical and operational areas

Communicate proactively regarding scheduling, operational needs, and study support

Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Life Sciences, Veterinary Technology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Strong interest in animal research, veterinary medicine, surgery, or preclinical research

Ability to work in a physically active, fast-paced operational environment

Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills

Reliable attendance and ability to support early onsite operational schedules

Comfortable working in an in vivo research environment involving animal handling and surgical research procedures

Preferred Qualifications Experience working with large animals or in animal care environments

Experience in research, laboratory, veterinary, agricultural, or surgical support settings

Experience Handling Pigs Or Other Large Animal Models Experience supporting surgical or procedural activities

Familiarity with animal welfare standards or research environments

Physical Requirements Ability to safely handle and work with large animal models using approved safety procedures

Ability to lift, move, or assist with equipment and animal handling activities with or without reasonable accommodation

Ability to stand for extended periods during study and surgical activities

Ability to wear required PPE and work in laboratory/research environments

Ability to participate in team-lift activities and utilize approved lifting/restraint equipment as needed

Work Environment & Schedule Primarily onsite role supporting in vivo research operations

Standard operational schedule may include early morning start times (example: 6:30 AM start)

Flexibility may occasionally be required based on study schedules and operational needs

Work environment includes animal handling, surgical procedures, and preclinical research activities