Team Leader, Animal Resources

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 35,000 - 50,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance from day one

Paid time off + holidays

Tuition assistance program

Pension and retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking an Animal Resources Team Leader in the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery unit to supervise Animal Attendants and Technicians and ensure high-quality animal care in support of AAALAC accreditation standards.

The role emphasizes leadership, training, collaboration, and compliance with regulatory programs, with a schedule of Monday–Friday and occasional weekend/holiday coverage. Salary ranges start at $25.75/hour and reflect experience.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
LAT certification within 180 days required for employment.
Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's degree; leadership experience with animals.

Responsibilities

Assist supervision with day-to-day operations and scheduling.
Supervise Animal Attendants and Technicians; provide training and evaluation.
Report operational and compliance issues to supervisor daily.
Participate in IACUC, AAALAC, USDA regulatory activities.
Record data in appropriate systems and manage task completion.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Supervision

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree Preferred

LAT Certification (AALAS) within 180 days

Job description

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

Additional Information