Animal Resources Technologist

Animal Resources Technologist

The Animal Resources Technologist role at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center supports the Department of Comparative Medicine by providing advanced technical and husbandry expertise essential to high-quality animal care and research operations. The Animal Resources Technologist works closely with veterinary staff to support clinic, surgery, imaging, breeding, colony management, training, and enrichment activities, with a primary focus on the Central Services, Clinic and Surgery area. The Animal Resources Technologist ensures animal health, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across assigned facilities.

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. UT MD Anderson is internationally recognized for advancing scientific discovery and translating research into innovative clinical care. In this environment, the Animal Resources Technologist plays a vital role in supporting research integrity and animal welfare within a complex biomedical setting.

The ideal candidate for the Animal Resources Technologist position has an associate degree in Veterinary Technology, with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical or Animal Science preferred, and holds or is eligible to obtain required professional certifications. Experience in a university research setting is preferred. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in regulated environments are essential.

Minimum $25.75 Midpoint $30.77 Maximum $36.08 per hour The typical work schedule is Days, with rotating weekends and holidays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work Location: Bastrop, Texas and onsite

Key Responsibilities

Animal Healthcare & Technical Support

Provide technical guidance for animal colonies including specific pathogen free colonies, infectious disease wards, isolation units, and specialty breeding colonies.

Perform advanced technical procedures under veterinary direction, including blood collection, transfusions, medication administration, anesthesia, resuscitation, imaging, and clinic or surgical support.

Maintain and operate clinic and surgery facilities, ensuring equipment cleaning, calibration, validation, repair scheduling, and inspection readiness in compliance with USDA/AWA guidelines.

Conduct routine clinical and non-clinical animal health and behavioral observations and report changes to veterinary staff.

Consult with veterinarians to manage clinical and special needs cases.

Calculate, prepare, and dispense medications according to veterinarian instructions and standard operating procedures.

Document controlled and non-controlled drug inventories accurately and maintain electronic health records.

Assist with projects requiring specialized handling techniques and protocol-specific personal protective equipment.

Animal Husbandry & Facility Maintenance

Provide daily husbandry, dietary support, and waste disposal for animals under clinical care.

Inspect animal areas, equipment, enrichment, lixit valves, and water lines daily and report issues to supervision.

Perform microbiologic monitoring including cage surface sampling, water testing, and sterilization quality assurance.

Transport animals requiring specialized training or handling techniques.

Assist with animal sales, shipments, housekeeping, inventory, and restocking of clinic supplies.

Provide direction and basic husbandry training to staff as assigned.

Administrative, Compliance & Safety

Adhere to personal protective equipment requirements and work safely in close proximity to animals.

Ensure proper animal identification, shelter, food, water access, and secure cage and building lock procedures.

Respond to emergency situations and participate in required training.

Follow departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements including AAALAC, IACUC, and USDA/AWA standards.

Provide timely and accurate documentation and recordkeeping of husbandry, healthcare, and GLP data using electronic systems.

Training, Leadership & Research Support

Train technicians on technical and clinical procedures as assigned.

Participate in research protocols including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) protocols.

Assist with ordering specialized clinical supplies and may serve as weekend lead or back-up for senior staff or supervisors.

EDUCATION Required: Associates degree in Veterinary Technology. Preferred: Bachelor's Level Degree in Biomedical or Animal Science. WORK EXPERIENCE Required: No experience. Preferred: Experience gained in a university research setting. May substitute required education with experience on a one to one basis with an additional two years of animal care experience to include one year in a lead capacity and with preferred licensure certification, no experience required. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required: Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 days of eligibility and any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification. Preferred: LVT - Licensed Veterinary Technician, VT - Reg Veterinary Tech, Certified Veterinary Technician-NAVTA.