Manager, Research Support Unit

Company: Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Location: San Antonio
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

The Research Support Unit Manager will manage, supervise, lead, and coordinate the Veterinary Research Technician (VRT) teams and Animal Care Technicians assigned to the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) · Provide direction, leadership and motivation to assigned team. · Provide guidance and make recommendations concerning talent acquisition and retention, employee relations and employment terminations, performance management (promotions, demotions, reviews, goals, salary adjustments) for relevant teams. · Develop schedules and assign work activities based on urgency, availability of materials, equipment, and skills of personnel. Manage resource inventory to ensure adequate levels. · Oversee the recording of data, preparation of study notebooks and prepare reports of test results and/or experiments. Oversee and manage research schedules and procedures conducted by veterinary technical personnel. · Ensure that technical staff follow and comply with standards of veterinary care and properly execute IACUC approved research activities in an ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 environments. Monitor compliance with SNPRC guidelines and practices relative to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), primate cage use, animal welfare, handling, and care; and provide corrective direction if noncompliance noted. · Administer the technical training program to include: determining the appropriate training, scheduling training sessions, and maintaining competency requirements. Oversee the coordination and training of VRT personnel and provide cross-training in order to ensure greater flexibility of animal care staff. · Assist in the development and training of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to area of technical specialization. · Ensure processes and procedures are effective and consistently followed by technical staff. Work directly with the veterinary team to establish best practices in support of veterinary care and research support. · Ensure adequate resource management in support of veterinary care in research procedures. Management of resources includes equipment, supplies, research space allocation, personnel and time to complete tasks. Control inventory by ordering all supplies to include PPE that are necessary for research/clinical purposes. Ensure the availability of equipment for studies. · Prepare for and participate in on-site IACUC, USDA and AAALAC inspections. Ensure and oversee subsequent coordination of corrective actions. · Consult with investigators and/or veterinarians making recommendations concerning methodology and technical procedures to be followed in a research program or a segment thereof. · Conduct VRT data audits, review entries for accuracy, and ensure completion of study files. Must operate personal computer. · Prescribe VRT program related duties such as monitoring, sampling and observing laboratory animals. 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: · Ability to work extended hours as needed. Must provide on-site or remote support/response to a 24/7 operation. · Ability to manage diverse teams demonstrating effective management and supervisory skills – communication, leadership, teaching, mentoring, organization, planning, budgeting, goal setting and meeting objectives. · Must have demonstrated supervisory skills, and excellent written and spoken communication skills. · Must have excellent computer skills; Competent MS Office skills including Outlook, Excel and Word. · Knowledge of complex work routines, rules, procedures, or operations; ability to operate higher-level specialized equipment. · Knowledge of the scientific process and ability to guide technical requirements for research projects. · Ability to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a equipment is working properly. Working Environment: Work is primarily performed within standard clinical, laboratory and/or office environment Work involves strenuous physical activities of various kinds with continuous exposure to hazardous substances, potentially dangerous situations, unpleasant work conditions such as exposure to unpleasant odors or adverse weather conditions. May work with infectious agents such as herpes B virus, SIV, HIV, STLV, Vaccinia, Tuberculosis, and Shigella. May work with radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, caustic and acid cleaning and sterilizing compounds. Potential exists for animal bites and animal scratches. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases. May carry items from one location to another and must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. 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 What We Can Offer You: · Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust! · Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)! · An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 6% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)! · Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess ( paid week off the last week of December ) · On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management! · On-site gym & wellness programs! · Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally. We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity. Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

Keywords: Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Marcos , Manager, Research Support Unit, Science, Research & Development , San Antonio, Texas