Animal Technician (North Campus) - Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

About the position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-2023 rankings. The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

Responsibilities

• Changes animal cages (primarily mouse cages) as scheduled.
• Performs daily animal care and health flagging for the assigned area, including areas that require specialized and/or additional training, such as chemical agents.
• Ensures the ventilated cage rack system and automated drinking water system are operating correctly and reports alarms or malfunctions to the team leader or supervisor immediately.
• Performs specialized procedures such as placing special diets in cages, ensuring special water is on the cage with the drinking valve removed, and labeling appropriately.
• Conducts routine rodent weanings and separations.
• Houses newly arrived animals and pulls cages for transfers and deliveries.
• May provide back-up support for other animal care staff or cage wash staff as needed.
• Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and ancillary areas.
• Ensures equipment is cleaned, made available for sanitization, and is on the established maintenance schedule.
• Reports problems to the team leader or supervisor.
• Ensures supplies are adequately stocked.
• Records data in the appropriate hardcopy or electronic system.
• Ensures that data is entered in a timely manner.
• Records the completion of assigned tasks using the electronic task management system.
• Ensures that the correct animal identification is placed on animals.
• Ensures arrival reports are filled out completely and accurately.
• Reports any discrepancies to the team leader or supervisor.
• Completes all written documentation in clear and legible writing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field. With either preferred degree, no experience required.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree.