Team Lead, Vivarium

Description

XenoSTART, the preclinical division of START is a translational research organization focused on creating relevant preclinical cancer models. Our xenograft models represent each cancer type and disease stage and are established from patients at our domestic and international cancer centers. The XenoSTART Patient-Derived Xenograft (XPDX) platform includes over 2,500 models annotated with each donor patient's cancer treatment and outcome data and characterized using IHC, DNA/RNA sequencing, and relevant in vivo drug efficacy.

Our XPDX models are clinically annotated and include patient treatment history and outcome and are characterized through genomic profiling, histologic analysis, and in vivo drug sensitivity to relevant standards of care. These models may be utilized in the following manner:

• In vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies
• In vivo efficacy panel screens (indication or target focused)
• In licensing of models for internal studies
• Custom model development
• Orthotopic and radiotherapy studies
• Ex vivo and organoid studies

We are hiring a Team Lead, Vivarium, who serves as a functional leader within the In Vivo Research team, coordinating daily activities and supporting process execution in line with study protocols. While this role does not have formal direct supervisory duties, the Team Lead is responsible for guiding team operations, facilitating communication between staff and management, and supporting new employee onboarding and training.

This role involves supervising data collection from industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies, ensuring adherence to protocols and compliance with all regulatory and safety guidelines, and managing all procedures related to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, drug preparation, and dosing. This position plays a key role in maintaining protocol compliance, animal welfare, and operational efficiency across the lab.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Facilitate daily team huddles to communicate study updates and cross-functional information.
• Serve as a key contributor in process improvement initiatives and ensure adherence to established standard work.
• Monitor and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as defined by leadership.
• Act as a resource and technical mentor to new hires and team members requiring additional support.
• Promote responsible use of resources and cost-effective practices.
• Ensure all study-related documentation is current, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Perform and oversee in vivo procedures, including small animal handling, dosing, surgery, tumor implantation, euthanasia, and sample collection/processing.
• Administer agents according to protocol-specific dosing schedules and routes.
• Collect and record data related to body weights, tumor measurements, and other endpoints using approved tools and software.
• Ensure health and welfare of animals, maintaining compliance with AAALAC and IACUC standards.
• Identify and escalate quality or compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor or project manager.
• Monitor Key Quality Indicators (KQIs) and ensure lab environments are maintained in a clean, safe, and OSHA-compliant state.
• Participate in weekly cross-functional team meetings and provide study-related updates.
• Assist in aligning daily study conduct with customer-defined deliverables and expectations.
• Solicit feedback from internal stakeholders and escalate concerns as needed.
• Support operations review meetings and share team performance insights as applicable.
• Assist in the completion of study logs, inventory records, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure all documentation is aligned with SOPs and regulatory expectations.
• Other duties may be assigned at any time.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field.
• 3 years of related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in technical mentoring or functional leadership.
• Formal training in animal handling and in vivo research procedures.
• Familiarity with AAALAC, IACUC, and OSHA compliance.

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,…