The Specialist (Veterinary Clinical Services Area) serves as a liaison between the Department of Animal Resources and LSU Health Shreveport research laboratories to ensure the humane care and use of research animals in compliance with state, federal, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) regulations. This position provides technical, clinical, and training support to research personnel while promoting high standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities Summary

• Serve as liaison between Animal Resources and research laboratories
• Ensure compliance with IACUC, federal, and institutional regulations
• Manage import and export of research animals in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Provide veterinary clinical support, including diagnostics, anesthesia, and surgical assistance
• Monitor animal health, welfare, and postoperative recovery
• Conduct regulatory audits, inspections, and post-approval monitoring (PAM)
• Train research personnel in animal care procedures and compliance standards
• Support environmental monitoring and rodent health surveillance programs
• Maintain accurate records, inventories, and regulatory documentation
• Assist with breeding colony operations and facility support functions
• Collaborate with veterinarians and investigators to support research outcomes while ensuring animal welfare

Essential Functions

35%- General Veterinary Care Duties

• Perform daily health rounds for all species housed in the Animal Resources Facility
• Triage animal health concerns and perform treatments as directed
• Collaborate with veterinarians, faculty, and research staff to manage clinical cases
• Conduct daily postoperative assessments and monitor for signs of pain or distress
• Perform diagnostic and laboratory procedures (e.g., blood collection, anesthesia)
  • Conduct necropsies and communicate findings to veterinary staff
  • Maintain cleanliness and compliance in clinical and procedural areas

25%- Regulatory Compliance Oversight

• Conduct inspections of procedural areas and ensure adherence to IACUC protocols

• Perform post-approval monitoring (PAM) of research procedures
• Assist in developing and implementing corrective action plans
• Prepare reports for the Attending Veterinarian
• Serve as liaison between Animal Resources and research laboratories
• Provide training and ensure compliance with regulations and institutional policies
• Investigate non-compliance and recommend corrective measures
• Manage import and export of research animals, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations

15%-Veterinary Health Surveillance Oversight

• Support Environmental Monitoring and Rodent Health Surveillance Programs
• Collect and track microbiological samples
• Maintain databases and prepare reports
• Manage sentinel animal programs and coordinate diagnostic testing
• Ensure compliance with standards of The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory

10% - Record keeping

• Maintain records related to animal health, breeding, and environmental monitoring
• Ensure compliance with USDA, PHS, and AAALAC standards
• Track census, morbidity, and mortality data
• Maintain controlled substances inventory and documentation
• Update SOPs and support investigators with documentation

5% - Training

• Provide training on animal care procedures and regulatory compliance
• Deliver hands-on instruction in clinical techniques and research procedures

5% - Mutant Mouse Breeding Facility Support

• Assist with breeding colony management and record keeping
• Support animal identification, transfers, and sample collection
• Coordinate communication with investigators

3%- Central Supply

• Order and maintain veterinary drugs and supplies
• Ensure maintenance and calibration of equipment

Marginal Functions

2%

• Perform other duties as assigned

The applicant must meet one of the following:

• Masters degree in Animal Science, Biology or Natural Sciences required. Registered, Certified or Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT, CVT, LVT) and two (2) years relevant clinical experience. Good computer skills, organizational skills and ability to prioritize. Driving required -A valid driver's license is required.
• Bachelors degree in Animal Science, Biology or Natural Sciences required. Registered, Certified or Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT, CVT, LVT) and three (3) years relevant clinical experience. Good computer skills, organizational skills and ability to prioritize. Driving required -A valid driver's license is required.
• Associates degree in Animal Science, Biology or Natural Sciences required. Registered, Certified or Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT, CVT, LVT) and five (5) years relevant clinical experience. Good computer skills, organizational skills and ability to prioritize. Driving required-A valid driver's license is required.

• Experience in laboratory animal medicine - either previous job experience or experience in maintaining an animal breeding colony. Experience with animal restraint, catheterization, phlebotomy, anesthesia (volatile and injectable), basic clinical laboratory skills, clinical experience with a wide variety of animal species.

PSN/PER Number: PSN 59978/PER 3390

Salary Range: $42,500 - $65,000  

Primary Location: Shreveport, LA (On-Site)

The LSU Systems Office has provided LSU Health-Shreveport employees with excellent benefit options designed with you and your dependents in mind. Our Benefits Section is available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help answer any questions you might have about these benefits.

• Salary is commensurate with experience and training
• Generous Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Optional Retirement Plans

LSU Health is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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