Vivarium Operations & Technical Manager

Role Summary

The Vivarium Operations & Technical Manager will lead a team of technical staff direct reports supporting in vivo oncology research within the Pfizer Oncology Research Unit (ORU), Tumor Biology In Vivo Pharmacology (TB-IVP), ensuring quality execution. This role is accountable for managing vivarium operations and forecasting and building future needs, as well as ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical and operational services aligned with study timelines and scientific objectives from the ORU. The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, this position will have responsibility for AUP ownership, designing and executing studies to support partner line objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage ongoing operational activities involving cross-functional representatives on behalf of the TB-IVP team to support short & long-term objectives.
• Oversee the relationship between technical support team, TB-IVP researchers, and contract research organization (CRL) operational team to ensure that the provision of basic to complex specialty husbandry and technical services are in alignment with RU study conduct requirements and project timelines. Monitor results against key performance indicators and communicate results and knowledge internally.
• Will be accountable for multiple AUPs, have oversight of animal ordering, be responsible for animal holding room census, and managing vivarium infrastructure with CRL ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (IACUC/AAALAC) and Pfizer policies.
• Drive effective resource allocation and manage the technical support team in conducting experiments and protocols, including collection, recording, and exporting of data in the delivery of studies. Own interactions with ORU project team scientists to fully understand their goals. Develop innovative ideas and advance new concepts that improve ORU‚Äôs work processes.
• Represent the operations team/TB-IVP on cross-line meetings and initiatives.
• Regularly communicate with key partner stakeholders as needed, including ad hoc communications/events that require cross-functional communication. Navigate cultural and functional similarities and differences between external (CRL) and Pfizer organizations to improve working mechanisms between teams and resolve areas of discordant expectations. Maintain forecasting data in partnership with ORU leadership and scientific leads to ensure accurate study forecasts. Manage animal inventory, internal workload, prioritize study support resources, and develop strategies and efficiencies to support work.
• Support operational excellence by identifying gaps in processes, proposing resolutions, and lead process development, communication, and implementation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for activities related to execution and management in vivo studies, facility operations, study conduct, scheduling, resourcing and solving moderately complex problems within area of expertise
• Will provide technical/operational guidance to members of the department, and external partners and vendors.
• Mentor and guide direct reports, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. and provide oversight for matrix-managed resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelors level degree with 9+ years‚Äô experience -OR- Master‚Äôs degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced level of in vivo technical skills and deep understanding of IACUC / AAALAC requirements and workflows
• Thrives in a collaborative work environment, where interacting effectively with peers, functional managers, and senior leadership will drive success.
• Strong communication, partnership, decision making, and negotiation skills. Will be able to solicit input, explain complex concepts and have an ability to persuade others to adopt a point of view.
• Ability to manage complexities, think strategically, and exercise good judgement.
• Expertise to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based matrix environment as well as the ability to function independently as appropriate.
• Effective people management skills with experience in a matrixed setting.
• Knowledge and experience in oncology and immunology including technical expertise in study conduct for oncology models, regulatory, safety, and operational support.
• Breadth of drug development process relating to required task duration, project prioritization, budget management & resource allocation.
• Knowledge of tasks performed by relevant lines in drug development and the relative priorities and dependencies between them.

Preferred Qualifications

• LATG certification.
• Experience with CRO collaboration and vendor management.
• Familiarity with Pfizer systems, processes, and values is a plus.