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Team Leader, Animal Resources
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 Resources Team Leader, provides technical skills and supervision of Animal Attendants and Animal Technicians.
The ideal Animal Resources Team Leader will have some prior experience working with animals, particularly rodents. They should demonstrate leadership potential and the ability to guide, support, and collaborate effectively with others. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a proactive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work well as part of a team.
Minimum $25.75/hr – Midpoint $30.77/hr – Maximum $36.09/hr
The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30am–3:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch and rotating weekend/holiday supervisor coverage required.
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
The Animal Resources Team Leader contributes directly to UT MD Anderson's research mission by ensuring excellent animal care, supporting compliance standards, overseeing operational activities, and helping maintain facilities that enable groundbreaking cancer research. This position offers opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain experience with regulatory programs, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while supporting a meaningful mission.
• 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
Task Coordination & Documentation
• Assist supervisors with providing direction for day-to-day operations, including Euthanex schedules, suite duties, trolley checks, and related activities
• Assist supervisors with supervision, training, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned personnel
• Report operational, personnel, and administrative issues to the Animal Resource Supervisor on a daily basis
• Participate in compliance activities involving IACUC, AAALAC, USDA, and other regulatory requirements
• Record data in appropriate hardcopy and electronic systems
• Close alarms in Watchdog EX in a timely manner
• Process animal orders using Cayuse
• Complete SharePoint transfer documentation and related records
• Ensure all operational data is entered accurately and promptly
• Record completion of assigned tasks using electronic task management systems, including Cayuse Schedules
Communication & Administrative Support
• Respond to all emails in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate operational and compliance documentation
• Communicate daily updates regarding operational issues and staffing concerns
• Support supervisors with administrative functions and reporting activities
Daily Observations & Operational Support
• Monitor assigned areas to ensure tasks are performed appropriately and according to established standards
• Observe daily husbandry and facility operations for quality and compliance
• Serve as backup support for husbandry staff when assigned
• Serve as backup support for cage wash staff when assigned
• Participate in weekend and holiday supervisor rotation coverage
Facility Equipment Maintenance & Tours
• Monitor overall facility conditions and identify operational concerns
• Report facility and equipment issues to supervisors, Operations, and appropriate support teams
• Ensure equipment sanitization is completed according to established schedules
• Verify facility areas meet cleanliness and operational standards
• Lead facility tours throughout all animal housing areas
Other Duties
• Support departmental objectives and operational priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
EDUCATION
• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred: Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Four years Animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field to include two years in specialized housing and/or technical procedures or Two years required experience with an Associate's degree or no experience required with a Bachelor's degree
• Preferred: Experience working with animals, particularly rodents, and demonstrated leadership potential
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: LAT - Laboratory Animal Technician Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 Days and any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification
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
