Research Associate II-III (In Vivo/Vivarium)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Research Associate II–III (In Vivo/Vivarium) – Job Description

ABOUT CERTIS ONCOLOGY SOLUTIONS:

Certis Oncology is an AI-enabled translational decision intelligence company dedicated to improving how cancer therapies are discovered, developed, and delivered to patients. We transform data into decisions that accelerate the development of cancer therapies and advance the promise of precision medicine for every patient.

Our Oncology Intelligence® platform brings together artificial intelligence, diverse oncology datasets, and experimental validation in patient-derived in vitro and in vivo models to generate actionable insights that help researchers make more confident decisions. By integrating predictive modeling, intelligent data exploration, and biological validation, we help reduce development risk and accelerate the delivery of innovative cancer therapies. The same technologies can be applied to predict therapeutic response for individuals undergoing treatment, helping advance the future of precision oncology.

Based in San Diego, we are a multidisciplinary team of scientists, data experts, and innovators united by a common purpose: improving outcomes for cancer patients. Together, we are working toward a future where every therapeutic decision is informed by the full context of available evidence.

The Research Associate II–III (RA2–3) in the vivarium is responsible for leading and executing complex preclinical in vivo oncology studies, advanced surgical models, and specialized dosing procedures. The RA2–3 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

Must be proficient in and independently execute complex subcutaneous, orthotopic, and targeted surgical models, including:

· Subcutaneous & Orthotopic Implants: Subcutaneous (SC) implants, Mammary Fat Pad (MFP) implants, Intramuscular Thigh implants, Intramuscular Pectoral implants, Peritoneum implants, Liver implants, Pancreas implants, Gastric implants, and Cecum implants.

· Cell Inoculations: Subcutaneous inoculations, Mammary Fat Pad (MFP) inoculations, Liver inoculations, Pancreas inoculations, and Intracranial inoculations.

• Perform      surgical cannula placement/implantation for localized delivery.
• Manage      full surgical oversight, including aseptic field preparation,      post-operative care, and pain management 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
• 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/In      Vivo Manager, and implement corrective actions. 

Vivarium Oversight & Mentorship

• Assist      in training, mentoring, and signing off on competencies for junior      Research Associates (RA1) 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. 

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• RA      II: Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on in vivo rodent experience in      a biotech, CRO, or academic vivarium setting. 
• RA      III: Minimum 4–6+ years of specialized in vivo rodent      experience with demonstrated expertise in orthotopic surgical models.
• AALAS      certification (LAT or LATg) is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven      expertise in advanced survival surgeries (intracranial, pancreatic,      orthotopic models, 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

• 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

This position reports directly to the In Vivo Manager and works collaboratively with Study Directors and Scientists.