Equine Research Veterinary Technician – Donor Program (Part-Time)
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Position Type: Part-Time (Approximately 20 hours/week)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours only (no weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities)
Compensation: $20–30/hour, based on experience
Start Date: As soon as possible
About Qentoros
Qentoros is a veterinary biotechnology company developing innovative peptide therapeutics for infectious and inflammatory diseases of horses. Our work combines veterinary medicine, biologics manufacturing, and translational research to develop novel therapies for unmet clinical needs.
Our equine donor program plays a critical role in this mission by providing high-quality biological source material used in the development of our therapeutic products. We are seeking an experienced equine veterinary professional to help build and maintain a world-class donor program focused on exceptional animal care, quality, and scientific excellence.
This position works directly with the Farm Manager and Chief Scientific Officer/Attending Veterinarian and offers the opportunity to become a key member of a growing biotechnology company. As Qentoros expands, this position has the potential to transition into a full-time role.
Position Summary
The Equine Research Veterinary Technician is responsible for maintaining the health and welfare of our donor herd while performing high-quality blood collection procedures that support the development of novel biologic therapeutics.
The successful candidate will be confident handling young Thoroughbred horses, possess excellent equine phlebotomy skills, and understand the importance of quality documentation and standardized procedures. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound clinical judgment, and a commitment to animal welfare and scientific integrity.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform pre-donation physical examinations and herd health assessments.
- Evaluate donor horses for suitability prior to scheduled blood collections.
- Perform atraumatic jugular venipuncture for large-volume blood collection.
- Place intravenous catheters when appropriate.
- Monitor donor horses before, during, and after collection procedures.
- Safely handle and restrain young Thoroughbred horses.
- Identify and promptly communicate abnormalities or health concerns to the Attending Veterinarian.
- Maintain accurate donor health records, blood collection records, and quality documentation.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and quality control requirements.
- Prepare collection equipment and supplies before scheduled collection days.
- Safely transport blood collection containers and equipment following collections.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of collection equipment and work areas.
- Work closely with the Farm Manager to coordinate donor schedules and herd activities.
- Assist with laboratory processing of blood products as interest, training, and workload permit.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of two years of hands-on experience as an equine veterinary assistant or veterinary technician.
- Demonstrated experience handling and restraining horses safely.
- Experience performing equine jugular venipuncture.
- Strong understanding of equine physical examinations and herd health monitoring.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while following established protocols.
- Strong written documentation and communication skills.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) preferred.
- Experience placing intravenous catheters in horses.
- Experience working with Thoroughbreds, broodmares, or performance horses.
- Experience in equine ambulatory practice, equine referral hospitals, blood donor programs, or research environments.
- Familiarity with quality systems, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), or regulated research environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely work around young Thoroughbred horses.
- Ability to lift and carry blood collection equipment and transport containers weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical work throughout the day.
Why Join Qentoros?
This is a unique opportunity to combine your equine veterinary experience with cutting-edge biotechnology and translational research. Unlike traditional equine practice, this position offers a predictable weekday schedule while allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to the development of innovative biologic therapies.
Benefits of this role include:
- Monday–Friday daytime schedule.
- No emergency duty, overnight shifts, weekends, or holiday work.
- No client appointments or billing responsibilities.
- Opportunity to work with a dedicated donor herd.
- Direct mentorship from experienced veterinarians and scientists.
- Opportunity to help build an innovative veterinary biotechnology company from the ground up.
- Potential for advancement into a full-time position as the company continues to grow.
If You're a Great Fit, You Probably...
- Enjoy working with horses more than working with paperwork—but understand that quality documentation is essential.
- Take pride in performing technically excellent venipuncture with minimal stress to the horse.
- Are calm, patient, and confident around young Thoroughbreds.
- Thrive in a small, collaborative team where every person's work matters.
- Want to be part of developing the next generation of veterinary therapeutics.
If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- 1. How many years of professional experience do you have working with horses?
2. Have you independently performed jugular venipuncture in horses?
3. How comfortable are you handling young or spirited horses, including Thoroughbreds?
4. Have you placed intravenous catheters in horses?
5. Are you currently a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or eligible for licensure?
Work Location: In person
