In Vivo Research Associate - Small Animal Preclinical Research

Location: Carlsbad, CA 92008

Job Type: Full-time, Contract-to-Hire (via Medix)

Salary: $25.00 - $35.00 / hour (Depending on experience)

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Requires flexibility for occasional early/late starts and potential rotation for 1 weekend per month)

Key Responsibilitie

As an In Vivo Research Associate, you will support preclinical study execution in strict compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, study protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Dosing & Administration: Administer test substances to small animal models using multiple basic methods, including oral gavage, intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SQ), intraperitoneal (IP), and intramuscular (IM) injections.
• Animal Care & Handling: Handle, restrain, and provide daily care for all laboratory animal species on-site. Actively monitor animals for general health, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Surgical & Technical Procedures: Perform advanced in vivo procedures including catheter placements in small animals (mice, rats, rabbits), biopsies, skin excisions, necropsies, and tissue collection.
• Specimen Collection: Collect biological specimens (including blood from appropriate vessels) across various laboratory animal species.
• Quality Control & Documentation: Review study documentation to ensure all functions meet quality control requirements. Maintain meticulous, accurate records in internal laboratory databases.
• Study Setup & Prep: Complete critical pre-study activities, including collection tube labeling and experimental room setup.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface effectively with cross-functional teams, including the Study Director, Principal Investigator, QC/QA personnel, and account management teams.
• Lab Safety: Utilize aseptic techniques and maintain a clean, compliant laboratory environment.

Job Requirements

Required Skills & Experience:

• Animal Handling Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of hands-on experience handling small animals (mice, rats, rabbits) in preclinical research or veterinary settings.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate occasional early/late starts and a weekend rotation (approximately 1 weekend per month) as needed. 

Preferred Skills & Experience (Nice to Have):

• Associates or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG).
• Prior Contract Research Organization (CRO) experience.
• In vivo ocular imaging experience (e.g., Slit Lamp operation) is a major plus.

Benefits & Perks (Through Medix)

• Competitive weekly pay with medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Dedicated recruiter support to guide you through the interview and onboarding process.
• Clear pathway to permanent, full-time employment with a premier life sciences company.

^*We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

^*As a job position within our Life Sciences division, a successful completion of a background check may be required as a condition of employment. This requirement is directly related to essential job functions including but not limited to: high-risk work environments (warehouse or industrial areas), high-risk/ high-error job duties that could result in life-threatening injury or death, operation of heavy-duty machinery, working with hazardous chemicals, exposure to other dangerous materials, such as drugs and sharp instruments. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.