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.
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
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
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
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
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
BioLegacy Research (formerly BTS Research) is a contract research laboratory that delivers cGMP/GLP biological services to clients in the pharm/biopharma, biotech, academic research, medical devices and related industries. Our Vision: We strive to be the leading choice for all of your bioscience research and custom product(s) needs. Our Mission: Is to be the most customer focused, cost efficient, scientific resource CRO company in every market we serve. We will continue to strengthen our position in the market through employee culture, based on integrity and quality, and by strategically collaborating and partnering with industry leaders. Our Values: Family core values transmitted through: Teamwork, Integrity, Passion, Continuous Improvement, Transparency, Diversity, Commitment, Trust Worthiness and Accountability.
