Senior Animal Technician

The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery department exists to serve UT MD Anderson research programs. Our primary aim is to provide the best possible veterinary care, facilities and services in support of the institutional animal care and use program, in keeping with all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) accreditation standards.

The Senior Animal Technician provides the highest quality of technical skills and assistance in animal health care.

The ideal candidate brings a combination of animal care experience and technical proficiency, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Preferred qualifications include an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, experience working with a variety of animal care environments, familiarity with computer programs such as Excel, and the ability to multitask effectively while remaining self-motivated in a fast-paced setting.

Minimum $22.21 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $31.05
The typical work schedule is Onsite: Shift 6:30-3:00 with half hour lunch, weekend rotation.
Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?
Working as a Senior Animal Technician at UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking research while developing specialized technical skills in a highly regulated and collaborative environment. This role supports professional growth through hands-on experience, structured training, and exposure to advanced research practices, all within a mission-driven organization that values operational excellence and employee well-being.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities
Routine Animal Care & Specialized Animal Procedures
• Change animal cages, primarily mouse cages, according to established schedules
• Perform daily animal care and health flagging for assigned areas
• Support specialized environments including large animal species, biohazard, radioactive, and barrier areas
• Monitor ventilated cage rack systems and automated drinking water systems and report malfunctions immediately
• Ensure proper placement of special diets and water, including cage flagging and valve adjustments
• Perform routine rodent weaning and separations
• House newly arrived animals and coordinate cage transfers and deliveries
• Provide back-up support for animal care and cage wash staff as needed

Facility & Room Care
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and ancillary areas
• Ensure equipment is cleaned and prepared for scheduled sanitization
• Report facility or equipment issues to team leader or supervisor
• Maintain adequate stock levels of required supplies

Documentation
• Record data accurately in both hardcopy and electronic systems
• Enter data in a timely manner using electronic task management systems
• Document completion of assigned tasks
• Ensure correct animal identification is applied
• Complete animal arrival reports accurately and report discrepancies
• Maintain clear and legible written documentation

Other Duties
• Perform additional duties as assigned

EDUCATION
• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred: An Associate's Degree and a Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Three years Animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field to include one year in specialized housing and/or technical procedures or One year required experience with Associate's degree or No experience required with Bachelor's degree
• Preferred: Prior animal related experience and familiarity with computer programs such as Excel

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: ALAT - Assistant Lab Animal Tech American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 Days and Any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, paid time off , retirement , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 181242
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 46,200
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 64,575
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No

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