Manager, Preclinical Training

XenoSTART, a division of The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”), is an industry-leading oncology translational research organization dedicated to advancing drug development through clinically relevant preclinical cancer models.

We are seeking a Manager, Preclinical Training to oversees the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of technical training programs across all preclinical functions. This role conducts training needs analyses, builds and maintains curricula and materials, and delivers virtual and hands‑on instruction. The Manager partners with Operational Leaders to coordinate pre‑boarding, onboarding, orientation, and competency-based training; facilitates SOP and regulatory training; and ensures training records and processes support audit‑readiness. This role monitors training effectiveness, tracks key metrics, performs quality checks of training data, and collaborates with Quality Assurance and department leadership to harmonize training practices and manage external training resources.

Work Schedule: M-F, 8AM-5PM

Location: San Antonio, TX

Essential Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver training and onboarding curricula across all preclinical functions, including both technical and regulatory content.
• Partner with Operational Leaders to create and maintain onboarding plans, orientation programs, and competency verification for new and existing staff.
• Develop and implement standardized training procedures and ensure all preclinical roles complete required training and demonstrate role‑appropriate competencies.
• Coordinate and facilitate SOP‑related training, including new SOP issuance, revisions, harmonization efforts, and maintenance/regulatory training sessions.
• Conduct training needs analyses and maintain prioritization trackers to support ongoing curriculum development.
• Lead development of assessment tools to measure training effectiveness and implement continuous improvement actions.
• Maintain accurate training records, perform routine quality checks of training trackers, and ensure audit‑readiness across preclinical departments.
• Maintain standardized training documentation, competency matrices, and certification records.
• Generate and present training metrics and progress updates to Preclinical Operations and Quality Assurance leadership.
• Collaborate closely with SMEs, operational managers, and Quality Assurance to harmonize training practices and address CAPA‑ or deviation‑related training needs.
• Support adherence to departmental budgets and project timelines.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a life-science, education/training, or related field
• 3 years of experience in research administration or related compliance experience (e.g., IACUC, IBC, IRB).
• 3 years of experience in a CRO environment or pharma/biotech industry and working understanding of pharmacology principles and oncology drug development programs in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Familiarity with research ethics, regulatory requirements, and best practices in responsible conduct of preclinical oncology research.
• Working knowledge of preclinical laboratory methods, including in vivo techniques relevant to training.
• 3 years of experience developing, delivering, or managing technical training or learning programs, ideally in a regulated scientific setting.
• Understanding of training needs assessment, competency models, and orientation/onboarding systems.
• Strong instructional design, curriculum development, and training facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to manage projects, timelines, and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and audit readiness.
  
  

Preferred Education And Experience

• 5 years of experience in research administration or related compliance experience (e.g., IACUC, IBC, IRB).
• Prior experience in coordinating and delivering research education programs.
• Knowledge of preclinical oncology research techniques including but not limited to model development and execution of PK/PD/Efficacy studies in patient derived xenograft (PDX) and cell-derived xenograft (CDX) platforms.
• Understanding of global animal welfare regulations and standards.
• Certification in training or learning (CPLP/ATD, instructional design, etc.), or research compliance training (AALAS, RAC, CCR)
• Experience using LMS systems, digital training tools, and document control platforms.
  
  

Physical And Travel Requirements

• Travel: Up to 10% of the time
• Sitting: Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Standing: Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Bending: Must be able to reach overhead, at shoulder level, or bend to perform tasks.
• Lifting: Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to handle safety procedures associated with biological, investigational, or hazardous materials, not to exceed BSL2.
• Ability to understand safety procedures associated with sharps including but not limited to needles, scalpel blades, lancets, etc.
• Ability to don full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) occasionally for training, including but not limited to lab coat, gloves, mask, and bouffant.
  
  

Best-in-Class Benefits And Perks

We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no‑cost support for you and your family from day one
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
• Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
• We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you’ll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.
  
  

More About XenoSTART

Built on START’s global network of community-based oncology centers, XenoSTART offers one of the largest and most deeply characterized catalogs of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models in the industry, with more than 3,000 models spanning a broad range of tumor types and disease stages. All of its models are sourced from patients enrolled in clinical trials at START sites and are annotated with rich clinical histories, molecular profiling, and in vivo drug response data, enabling sponsors to design smarter studies, test combinations that mirror real-world biology, and generate decision-quality data earlier in development.

Learn more at https://startresearch.com/preclinical.

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?

Join us in our mission to provide “Hope Through Access”, 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 in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.