(While navigating through the site, please be sure to disable your pop-up blocker.)
Senior Animal Technician
The goal of the 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. Research at the Keeling Center has led to the development of synthetic peptide-based candidate vaccines for the prevention and treatment of AIDS caused by HIV, and for the treatment of cervical precancerous lesions caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses.
SUMMARY
The Senior Animal Technician provides exceptional technical skills and assistance in animal health care, medicine, and surgery within the Department of Comparative Medicine. The Senior Animal Technician role primarily supports the Central Services area and may assist in other animal areas as needed. Weekend, holiday, and occasional overtime work may be required. Compliance with biocontainment protocols may apply.
The ideal candidate for the Senior Animal Technician position will be ALAT certified, a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to animal care and research excellence. They thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in both technical procedures and compliance standards. This Senior Animal Technician is comfortable working with a variety of species, understands the importance of precise documentation, and can adapt to changing priorities while maintaining the highest standards of care.
The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday with alternating weekends, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., onsite.
Hourly breakdown of salary range: Minimum $22.21 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $31.04
What's in it for you:
• 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 Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB), 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.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Husbandry and Facility Maintenance
- Perform daily husbandry and waste disposal.
- Operate cage sanitation equipment.
- Prepare and distribute diets and enrichment.
- Provide basic husbandry training to staff.
- Participate in positive reinforcement training for animal behavior.
- Transport animals using specialized handling techniques.
- Inspect water systems and animal areas for proper function.
- Conduct microbiologic monitoring and sterilization QA/QC.
- Assist with shipment preparation and inventory management.
Animal Healthcare and Technical Support
- Assist with technical procedures: sample collection, wound care, nail trimming, vitals, and physical exams.
- Screen animals for signs of disease.
- Support clinical and surgical activities.
- Restrain animals and administer medications under supervision.
- Conduct health and behavioral observations; report changes promptly.
- Provide care for special needs animals, including infants.
- Assist with radiology/imaging and research protocols (including GLP).
Administrative and Compliance
- Adhere to PPE and safety protocols.
- Ensure proper animal identification and housing standards.
- Maintain accurate records in electronic health systems.
- Follow SOPs, AAALAC, IACUC, and USDA/AWA regulations.
Serve as weekend lead or back-up for team leaders as assigned.
Other Duties
- Respond to emergencies as needed.
- Perform additional tasks to support departmental operations.
EDUCATION
Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: Three (3) years animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field to include one year in specialized housing and/or technical procedures. With Associate's degree, one year of required experience or with a Bachelor's degree, no experience required.
Preferred: Experience gained in a university research setting.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 days of eligibility. Any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification.
Preferred: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
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
