Vivo Research Assistant - San Antonio, TX

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 motivated In Vivo Research Assistant. Under direct supervision of the supervisor, this position involves collection of data obtained from industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. In addition, this position entails all procedures involved with small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, drug preparation and dosing and other related duties for the START Preclinical Group.

• Collect internally generated data including small animal body weights and tumor dimensions using mechanical and electronic devices and store on internal server.
• Perform day-to-day procedures including but not limited to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, anesthesia, cell culture, blood and tissue collection and processing, tumor implantation, cell injection, euthanasia, sample processing including cryopreservation, cryofreezing and fixation, sterilization, maintenance and cleaning. These operations may involve multi-tasking, lifting of greater than forty pounds, standing or sitting for long periods of time and repetitive procedures.
• Prepare, aliquot and properly store vehicles, drugs, media and other laboratory solutions.
• Administer agents by various routes on various dosing schedules.
• Attend regular meetings and briefings regarding preclinical studies as required.
• Assist in animal and laboratory activities as needed.
• Assist in data preparation and administrative log management as needed.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• High school diploma/GED.
• Minimum of 1 year of similar experience.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge and training in animal handling and research.

• 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.

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

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.