Supervisor, Vivarium Operations

START Center for Cancer Research • San Antonio, TX

10d

About The Position

XenoSTART, the preclinical division of START is a translational research organization focused on creating relevant preclinical cancer models. Our xenograft models represent each cancer type and disease stage and are established from patients at our domestic and international cancer centers. The XenoSTART Patient-Derived Xenograft (XPDX) platform includes over 2,500 models annotated with each donor patient’s cancer treatment and outcome data and characterized using IHC, DNA/RNA sequencing, and relevant in vivo drug efficacy. Our XPDX models are clinically annotated and include patient treatment history and outcome and are characterized through genomic profiling, histologic analysis, and in vivo drug sensitivity to relevant standards of care. These models may be utilized in the following manner: In vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies In vivo efficacy panel screens (indication or target focused) In licensing of models for internal studies Custom model development Orthotopic and radiotherapy studies Ex vivo and organoid studies The Supervisor, Vivarium Operations, will play a crucial role in providing an efficient and compliant vivarium. The role includes overseeing daily vivarium processes and team performance, including scheduling, training, and staff evaluation. This role involves performing PDX studies from industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies, ensuring adherence to protocols and compliance with all regulatory and safety guidelines, training and scheduling all procedures related to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, sterile environments, and dosing. This position will also support the optimization of standard operating procedures and working instructions to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal care or science field.
• 2-4 years of supervisory experience in an animal facility.
• Formal training in animal handling and in vivo research procedures.
• Experience with animal handling, dosing, and necropsy procedures.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and ethical standards for animal research.
• Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate and present summaries of research results to team members.
• Strong organizational skills with great attention to details and ability to troubleshoot problems.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience in a preclinical research setting.
• Familiarity with Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and OSHA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Manager, Vivarium in overseeing daily vivarium operations, including supervision of research associates: hiring, onboarding, training, work assignments, time off approval, payroll, performance evaluations, employee development plans, and performance improvement.
• Provide training and hands-on study support on technical procedures, including animal handling, dosing, surgery, tumor implantation, euthanasia, sample collection/processing and data entry.
• Schedule daily tasks, including resolving conflicts and coordinating efforts across multiple teams.
• Create and revise SOPs, working instructions, and other laboratory documentation.
• Monitor animal health and maintain accurate records of experiments and results in compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure the health and welfare of animals to maintain compliance with Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) standards.
• Confirm all study-related documentation is current, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Identify and escalate quality or compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor or project manager.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedule, and remote work choices provided

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager