Research Supervisor

XenoSTART , a division of The START Center for Cancer Research ("START") , is an industry-leading oncology translational research organization dedicated to advancing drug development through clinically relevant preclinical cancer models. The Supervisor, Vivarium Operations , will play a crucial role in providing an efficient and compliant vivarium. The role includes overseeing daily vivarium processes and team performance, including scheduling, training, and staff evaluation. This role involves performing PDX studies from industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies, ensuring adherence to protocols and compliance with all regulatory and safety guidelines, training and scheduling all procedures related to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, sterile environments, and dosing. This position will also support the optimization of standard operating procedures and working instructions to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Essential Responsibilities:

Support the Manager, Vivarium with daily operations and supervision of research associates (hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, time off, payroll, performance management). Provide training and hands-on support for technical procedures (animal handling, dosing, surgery, tumor implantation, euthanasia, sample collection/processing, and data entry). Coordinate and schedule daily tasks, resolving conflicts and aligning work across multiple teams. Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and laboratory documentation. Monitor animal health and ensure accurate, compliant recordkeeping for all studies and experiments. Ensure compliance with AAALAC, IACUC, and other regulatory standards, including animal welfare oversight. Maintain audit-ready documentation and escalate any quality or compliance concerns as needed.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in animal care or science field. 2-4 years of supervisory experience in an animal facility. Formal training in animal handling and in vivo research procedures. Experience with animal handling, dosing, and necropsy procedures. Familiarity with regulatory requirements and ethical standards for animal research. Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate and present summaries of research results to team members. Strong organizational skills with great attention to details and ability to troubleshoot problems.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Supervisory experience in a preclinical research setting. Familiarity with Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and OSHA compliance.

Physical and Travel Requirements:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to perform daily tasks requires fine motor skills. Ability to utilize full range of motion (reaching, bending, etc.). Ability to lift 40 pounds. Ability to handle and understand safety procedures associated with biological, investigational, or hazardous materials, not to exceed Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2). Ability to work with and understand safety procedures associated with Sharps Disposal Containers, 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 the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results Generous paid time off and paid holidays Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options Company‑paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no‑cost support for you and your family from day one Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility We're committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you'll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation. More about XenoSTART Built on START's global network of community-based oncology centers, XenoSTART offers one of the largest and most deeply characterized catalogs of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models in the industry, with more than 3,000 models spanning a broad range of tumor types and disease stages. All of its models are sourced from patients enrolled in clinical trials at START sites and are annotated with rich clinical histories, molecular profiling, and in vivo drug response data, enabling sponsors to design smarter studies, test combinations that mirror real-world biology, and generate decision-quality data earlier in development. Learn more at https://startresearch.com/preclinical. Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment? Join us in our mission to provide "Hope Through Access" , 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.

Pay:

From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Relocation assistance Application Question(s): What is your desired pay rate? Can you briefly describe your experience working with rodents?

Experience:

Rodent Research:

1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person