Animal Technician

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Technician supports MD Anderson Cancer Center’s research programs by providing high-quality animal care and helping maintain safe, compliant research operations. The role is part of the Veterinary Medicine & Surgery department, which provides veterinary care, facilities, and services consistent with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and AAALAC accreditation standards. The work is performed onsite at the Texas Medical Center, typically Monday through Friday, with rotating weekends. Duties involve physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying materials or equipment, and the work environment includes expected exposure to animal odors. The position provides hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth while supporting the institution’s research mission.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital or clinic, research facility, or related field; alternatively, no experience is required with either a preferred associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying materials or equipment.
Comfort working in an environment where exposure to animal odors is expected.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.
Prior animal handling experience.

Responsibilities

Change animal cages, primarily mouse cages, according to established schedules.
Perform daily animal care and health flagging in assigned areas, including areas requiring specialized or additional training, such as chemical agent rooms.
Check that ventilated cage rack systems and automated drinking water systems are functioning properly and immediately report alarms or malfunctions.
Perform specialized procedures, including placing special diets, preparing cages with special water and removed drinking valves, and ensuring appropriate labeling.
Carry out routine rodent weaning and separation procedures.
House newly arrived animals and pull cages for transfers and deliveries.
Provide backup support for animal care or cage wash staff as needed.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and ancillary areas.
Ensure equipment is cleaned, made available for sanitization, and kept on the established maintenance schedule.
Report equipment or facility issues to team leaders or supervisors.
Maintain adequate stock of supplies.
Record data in appropriate hardcopy or electronic systems in a timely manner.
Document task completion using the electronic task management system.
Ensure correct animal identification is placed on animals.
Complete arrival reports accurately and report discrepancies to supervisors.
Produce written documentation clearly and legibly.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting on day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for paid time off and an Extended Illness Bank.
Paid holidays and wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to wellness and fitness resources and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System.
Voluntary retirement plans.
Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.