Research Associate III / Senior Research Associate (In Vivo/Vivarium)

Job Description

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.

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.