Senior In Vivo Oncology Research Associate

Certis Oncology Solutions, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Paylocity in San Diego is seeking a Research Associate III / Senior Research Associate to lead and execute advanced in vivo oncology studies in a vivarium setting. The role includes developing orthotopic surgical models, complex dosing, longitudinal tumor tracking, and scientific data collection with strict adherence to animal welfare and IACUC standards.

You will mentor junior staff, maintain study records, and collaborate with study directors to ensure timely completion of projects while

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years of specialized in vivo rodent experience.
• Experience with orthotopic surgical models.
• AALAS LAT/LATg certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex in vivo oncology studies and surgical models.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure data integrity.
• Coordinate dosing procedures and SOP adherence.
• Perform longitudinal tumor tracking and PK/PD sampling.
• Oversee necropsies and tissue collection.
• Maintain animal welfare and IACUC compliance.

Skills

Advanced survival surgeries

Serial blood sampling

Specialized dosing

Necropsy & tissue harvest

IACUC knowledge

Independent work

Study timeline management

Team training

Communication skills

Education

AALAS LAT/LATg certification

Tools

MRI

Optical imaging

Job description

Description

The Research Associate III / Senior Research Associate in the vivarium is responsible for leading and executing complex preclinical in vivo oncology studies, advanced surgical models, and specialized dosing procedures. This role works independently to execute study protocols, mentor junior staff, and ensure rigorous adherence to data integrity, animal welfare, and IACUC regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Surgical Procedures

• Independently execute complex subcutaneous, orthotopic, and targeted surgical models.
• Subcutaneous & Orthotopic Implants: Subcutaneous (SC) implants, Mammary Fat Pad (MFP), Intramuscular Thigh, Intramuscular Pectoral, Peritoneum, Liver, Pancreas, Gastric, Ovary, Subrenal, and Cecum implants.
• Cell Inoculations: Subcutaneous, Mammary Fat Pad (MFP), Liver, Pancreas, Subrenal, Ovary, Brain, Lung, and Bladder inoculations.
• Perform bone marrow aspirations and surgical cannula placement/implantation for localized delivery.
• Manage full surgical oversight, including aseptic field preparation, post-operative care, and pain management tracking.
• Operate MRI and Optical Imager systems for longitudinal tracking.

Dosing & Specialized Administration

• Perform complex dosing routines, including oral gavage (PO), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC), intratumoral (IT), intravenous (IV) tail vein administration, cannula dosing, and osmotic pump implantation.
• Troubleshoot dosing protocols and maintain strict adherence to study-specific dosing regimens and SOPs.

Study Management & Advanced PK/PD Sampling

• Execute longitudinal tumor tracking (caliper, imaging), body weight monitoring, and clinical scoring.
• Perform complex serial blood collection via approved routes (e.g., submandibular, tail vein, retro-orbital, cardiac puncture).
• Lead major study end-point takedowns, full necropsies, and precise tissue/tumor collection (including cryopreservation and biobanking).
• Identify humane endpoints, track animal welfare metrics, and maintain accurate, real-time, non-GLP compliant data collection.
• Identify study deviations, communicate issues promptly to the Study Director or In Vivo Manager, and implement corrective actions.

Vivarium Oversight & Mentorship

• Assist in training, mentoring, and signing off on competencies for junior Research Associates (RA I) and animal care technicians.
• Prepare mice for procedures (anesthesia, shaving, surgical site prep) and manage post-operative recovery.
• Maintain accurate study records, daily health logs, and inventory.
• Support management with in vivo-related study administrative documentation, including study tracking, training, and competency logs.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Research Associate III: Minimum of 4 to 6+ years of specialized in vivo rodent experience with demonstrated expertise in orthotopic surgical models.
• Senior Research Associate: Minimum of 6+ years of specialized in vivo rodent experience with demonstrated expertise in orthotopic surgical models.
• Preferred: AALAS certification (LAT or LATg) is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven expertise in advanced survival surgeries (intracranial, pancreatic, and other orthotopic models, plus cannula implantation).
• High proficiency in serial blood sampling, specialized dosing, and necropsy/tissue harvest techniques.
• Strong knowledge of IACUC guidelines, AVMA euthanasia standards, and animal welfare regulations.
• Demonstrated capability to work independently, manage study timelines, and train junior team members.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.

Work Environment & Reporting Structure

• Work Environment: Position requires daily hands-on handling of rodents (mice) in a BSL-2 vivarium setting. Work involves prolonged standing, bending, repetitive fine-motor movements, and wearing full PPE. Requires flexible coverage, including rotating weekend, holiday, or evening shifts as dictated by study schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the In Vivo Manager and works collaboratively with Study Directors and Scientists.
• Compensation: Salary will be based on experience.