Lab Technician - Clinical Skills Laboratory

About the role

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), part of Covista, is looking for a Lab Technician to support the instructional programme and the operation of its Clinical Skills Laboratories. The post is based in Basseterre, St. Kitts, and the school operates on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday to Thursday). The person must be able to work with both dead and live animals and with model-making materials, and must be prepared to help prepare sometimes malodorous specimens.

Key responsibilities

• Laboratory duties (about 70%): keep the Clinical Skills Lab, Practice Lab and Freezer Room clean and tidy through daily cleaning protocols, including spill cleanup and regular cleaning of coolers and cold storage; refill stock items.
• Prepare fluid solutions for model making, create and maintain cadaver models, and set up and break down labs.
• Manage inventory logs and storage organisation, liaise with the local abattoir to collect specimens for teaching and research, and dispose of organic waste and biohazardous materials properly.
• Assist faculty with live animals in instruction, including obtaining, holding and returning them to their kennels or stalls.
• Teaching support (about 30%): ensure models and specimens are ready for instruction, help prepare learning material for teaching, research and examinations, and help students find and return models.
• Maintain specimens and freezer storage, and teach laboratory subjects to students under the guidance of the instructional team.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Required profile

• Associate's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, combined with additional years of laboratory experience.
• Background in laboratory maintenance, animal handling and medical work preferred.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs and to work independently.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays if needed.
• Knowledge of veterinary medicine highly desired.

Required skills

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and database applications preferred.
• Professional communication in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
• Organisational and communication skills.