Colony Health Manager

Description

The Role:

The Colony Health Manager will lead and oversee the veterinary clinical and animal care teams at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC), ensuring seamless coordination with research support unit supervisors, training services, and behavioral services. This position plays a key role in maintaining high standards of animal care and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Veterinary Resources, the Colony Health Manager will drive operational excellence, foster collaboration, and support the Institute’s research mission.

• Manage veterinary clinical and animal care supervisors to ensure high-quality animal care, staff training, and resource utilization.
• Oversee staff training, cross-training, competency maintenance, and scheduling in collaboration with SNPRC training services.
• Monitor work quality, accuracy, and compliance with standards while ensuring consistency across all animal areas.
• Lead and motivate employees, providing coaching, mentorship, and career development support.
• Develop and implement process improvements, SOPs, and policies aligned with Texas Biomed’s strategic goals.
• Coordinate resources, including equipment, supplies, personnel, and task management, to support animal care and research.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, participate in inspections, and oversee corrective actions while maintaining accurate documentation and communication.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• A highly motivated individual with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in biological science, animal science, animal husbandry or closely related field required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience is required, including foundational technical expertise, with advanced skills preferred. Candidates should have proven leadership experience, ideally supervising medical or technical personnel in a setting involving non-human primates. Strong managerial, organizational, and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Certifications/Licenses: AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg) certification or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification is required. A valid Texas Driver’s License with a clean driving record is also required.

Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (OLAW, NIH, IACUC, USDA) and the ability to implement them effectively in compliance with industry standards.
• Skills in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and personnel coordination to ensure efficient business and management operations.
• Ability to recognize safety risks, evaluate problems, make informed decisions, and implement solutions in a timely and effective manner.
• Skills in communication, team collaboration, and conflict resolution to build constructive working relationships and drive organizational success.
• Knowledge of professional development strategies and skills to mentor, guide, and support others in enhancing their expertise and job performance.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in office, laboratory, and clinical settings, both indoors and outdoors, with routine exposure to animals, hazardous substances, and unpleasant conditions (e.g., odors, adverse weather). The role involves moderate to strenuous physical activity, including bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), prolonged standing, and repetitive motions in an ABSL-2 laboratory while wearing full PPE or a PAPR suit for extended periods. Must be able to wear an air-purifying respirator and pass a respirator fitness test if required. Potential exposure to infectious agents, zoonotic diseases, radioactive materials, and toxic chemicals exists, though strict safety protocols minimize risk. Participation in a medical monitoring program, including vaccinations, may be required.

Who We Are:

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease!

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval