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Animal Resources Technologist
The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery department exists to serve UT MD Anderson research programs. Our primary aim is to provide the best possible veterinary care, facilities and services in support of the institutional animal care and use program, in keeping with all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) accreditation standards.
Animal Resource Technologist provides technical skills necessary to assist the veterinary staff in one or more of the following areas: clinic, surgery, x-ray, breeding, colony management, training or enrichment.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical or Animal Science and hold or be eligible for certifications such as Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician, or Certified Veterinary Technician-NAVTA. Experience working with rodents, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to learn and develop technical proficiency in a research setting are strongly preferred.
Minimum $25.74 – Midpoint $30.77 – Maximum $36.09
The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30am–3:00pm, with rotating weekends required.
Work Location: Texas Medical Center (Onsite)
Why Us?
This role directly contributes to the advancement of critical cancer research by supporting animal care and research operations at UT MD Anderson. The position offers hands-on experience across veterinary medicine, surgery, and laboratory research while providing opportunities for skill development and collaboration. Employees benefit from a structured schedule with rotational weekend expectations and access to comprehensive resources that support both professional growth and work-life balance.
• 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
Health Monitoring & Treatment
• Perform daily health monitoring inspections of assigned areas
• Monitor cages using color-coded indicators for health-related concerns
• Visually inspect animals for signs of illness or abnormalities
• Make preliminary diagnoses and initiate treatment using veterinarian-approved algorithms
• Report unusual or abnormal findings to the Clinical Veterinarian
• Maintain treatment records in appropriate electronic systems
• Send email notifications to investigators regarding emergency euthanasia and urgent conditions
• Enter treatment charges into electronic systems
• Maintain departmental and section calendars
• Follow standards for documenting controlled substance usage
Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Perform quarterly sentinel monitoring of animal housing areas
• Submit samples with appropriate documentation for laboratory testing
• Conduct monthly quality assurance health checks and record findings in spreadsheets
• Participate in post-approval monitoring activities
• Verify surgical techniques and observe procedures
• Conduct lab visits and communicate protocol issues with research staff
Research Support & Training
• Assist in and perform minor surgical procedures using aseptic technique
• Educate researchers on isoflurane use, oxygen delivery, analgesics, and aseptic practices
• Provide pre-, peri-, and post-operative care including preparation, anesthesia, and recovery support
• Transport animals and administer treatments under veterinary direction
• Perform technical procedures including phlebotomy, injections, restraint, anesthesia, and tissue collection
• Record procedures and enter data into electronic billing systems
• Train research staff on animal handling and technical skills
• Develop proficiency in procedures involving rodents and non-rodent species
• Advise investigators on best practices for animal care and use
• Clean, prepare, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment
Other Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
• Required: an Associate's Degree Veterinary Technology
• Preferred: a Bachelor's Degree Biomedical or Animal Science
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: none
• Preferred: Prior experience with rodents
• May substitute required education with experience on a one to one basis with an additional two years of animal care experience to include one year in a lead capacity
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: a LAT - Laboratory Animal Technician American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 Days, and any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification
• Preferred: an LVT - Licensed Veterinary Technician Upon Hire, a VT - Reg Veterinary Tech Upon Hire, and a Certified Veterinary Technician-NAVTA 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
