Manager, Vivarium Operations

The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering access to cutting edge trials throughout the US and Europe. Today, with over 1,300 studies completed, and with research facilities in the United States and in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, START’s mission is to accelerate the development of new anticancer drugs that will improve the quality of life and survival for patients with cancer and lead to its eventual cure. To date, over 43 therapies conducted at START locations have obtained FDA/EMA approval. Incredibly, while Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) conduct 80% of cancer trials, such trials reach only 20% of the patient population – leaving the majority of patients who are treated in community practices and hospitals without access to a clinical trial when their care journey calls for one. START serves the many – by bringing cancer trials to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices when hope is needed most.

START represents the world’s largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. As an example, in San Antonio, where START was founded, START treated the first patient ever with Keytruda – the most effective cancer drug in medical history.

We are hiring a Manager, Vivarium Operations to be responsible for providing an efficient and compliant vivarium. The role includes providing operational and people management, animal welfare and model development programs. This role involves working closely with other departments, adapting to evolving responsibilities, and continuously seeking operational improvements. This role will generate, implement, update, and ensure accordance with all operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the XenoSTART Vivarium. In addition, this role will maintain all necessary records related to ensuring animal health and AAALAC compliance and function as the primary contact for all animal care facilities and staff emergencies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee 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.
• Coordinate with veterinary services and IACUC to ensure appropriate oversight of the program.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance procedures adhering to institutional, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop and conduct orientation, safety, and animal welfare training for all vivarium users.
• Review and approve health reports for animal shipments from all vendors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with department managers, external vendors, IACUC, facilities, EH&S, and site leadership to solve problems and improve processes as needed.
• Engage with project management team to understand client needs for their in vivo.
• Ensure that in vivo study applications are performed according to defined protocols and assist in the development, modification, and review of procedures and protocols as needed.
• Create, review, revise, and maintain documents, including SOPs, working instructions, safety procedures, equipment guidance, and daily maintenance logs.
• Maintain records related to temperature, humidity, equipment, and animal census.
• Develop and maintain appropriate KPI for operational and quality performance.
• Act as the primary contact for all vivarium emergencies.
• Ensure the highest levels of safety for both staff and animals in compliance with OSHA, AAALAC and other agencies.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Care or science field.
• 5 years’ management experience in an operations leadership role.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.
• Management experience in biomedical research.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform daily tasks requiring fine motor skills.
• Ability to utilize full range of motion (reaching, bending, etc.).
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Ability to handle understand safety procedures associated with biological, investigational, or hazardous materials, not to exceed BSL2.
• Ability to work with and understand safety procedures associated with sharps including but not limited to needles, scalpel blades, lancets, etc.
• Ability to don full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on shift, including but not limited to lab coat, gloves, mask, and bouffant.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks
We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• 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
• Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

More about The START Center for Cancer Research
Deeply rooted in community oncology centers globally, The START Center for Cancer Research provides access to specialized preclinical and early-phase clinical trials of novel anti-cancer agents. START clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including for 43 therapies that were approved by the FDA. START represents the world’s largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?
Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. Please submit your application online.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.