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Animal Attendant
The goal of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, is to eliminate cancer and allied diseases by developing and maintaining specialized programs in animal models, research and education. Our standard will be defined by quality of care and research service as well as compassion and respect for the needs of research animals.
The Animal Attendant role ensures the daily care and wellbeing of research animals and the cleanliness and functionality of associated facilities. The Animal Attendant plays a vital role in maintaining high standards of animal care while supporting research activities that advance scientific discovery. This Animal Attendant position primarily supports the Neotropical (Owl Monkey) area and may assist other animal areas as needed.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within this environment, the Animal Attendant contributes directly to the integrity of research operations by performing essential husbandry, observation, and facility support duties. The Animal Attendant works collaboratively with departmental staff and follows established protocols, including those required for biocontainment areas, to ensure compliance and safety.
The ideal candidate for the Animal Attendant role has a high school diploma or equivalent, no prior work experience requirement, and an interest in laboratory animal care.
Salary Range: Minimum $18.00 – Midpoint $20.54 – Maximum $23.08
Typical work schedule: Days with rotating weekends and holidays required, 6:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Animal Attendant role supports groundbreaking research that advances human health while offering meaningful work, professional development, and a stable work-life balance through structured scheduling and comprehensive benefits.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
• Prepare and dispense laboratory diet and drinking water according to specific instructions.
• Perform basic animal husbandry duties as assigned.
• Observe animal behavior and health status and report concerns.
• Prepare and use disinfectants and detergents.
• Operate cage washer and autoclaves.
• Record daily animal inventories accurately.
• Transport animals, feed, and bedding within the research facility.
• Perform maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Work weekends and holidays on a scheduled, rotating basis and work overtime as authorized.
• Comply with protocols for work in biocontainment areas.
EDUCATION
- Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Preferred: Must meet department American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification requirements. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
