The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery department exists to serve MD Anderson research programs. Our primary mission 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 accreditation standards. The department's capabilities are broad based and flexible to accommodate a variety of research interests while remaining in compliance with required standards. The basis of our program is centered on the well being of all animals, the best interests of our researchers, and the best interest of MD Anderson and its animal care and use program. Veterinary Medicine & Surgery KEY FUNCTIONS
- Routine Animal Care and Specialized Animal Procedures
- Changes animal cages (primarily mouse cages) as scheduled.
- Performs daily animal care and health flagging for assigned area including areas that require specialized and/or additional training such as chemical agents.
- Ensures the ventilated cage rack system and automated drinking water system are operating correctly and reports alarms or malfunctions to team leader or supervisor immediately.
- Performs specialized procedures such as placing special diet in cages, ensuring special water is on the cage with the drinking valve removed and appropriate label, as well as routine rodent weanings and separations.
- Facility & Room Care
- Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and ancillary areas.
- Ensures equipment is cleaned, made available for sanitization, and is on the established maintenance schedule.
- Reports problems to team leader or supervisor.
- Ensures supplies are adequately stocked.
- Documentation
- Records data in the appropriate hardcopy or electronic system.
- Ensures that data is entered in a timely manner.
- Records the completion of assigned tasks using the electronic task management system.
- Ensures that the correct animal identification is placed on animals.
- Reports any discrepancies to the team leader or supervisor.
- Completes all written documentation in clear and legible writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE Required: Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field. With either preferred degree, no experience required. 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.