Mary Cochran
Walnut Creek,CA
Summary
Associate Manager of In Vivo Operations with extensive experience in preclinical research and vivarium management, progressing from Animal Care Technician to leading comprehensive site operations. Skilled at translating scientific objectives into efficient operational strategies that enable seamless execution of research programs. Experienced in overseeing colony management, breeding strategy, inventory control, and training teams of 10+ staff while supporting study design and execution. Known for proactive problem-solving, clear communication, and fostering a collaborative team culture that delivers high-quality, cost-effective support to leading research scientists.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Manager of In Vivo Operations
BioAge Labs
Emeryville, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Directed the relocation of a vivarium housing 12,000+ mice, coordinating logistics to maintain study continuity, operational efficiency, and adherence to IACUC protocols.
- Stepped into full operational leadership of the vivarium following a leadership transition, overseeing colony management, breeding programs, and inventory while ensuring uninterrupted support for scientific studies.
- Partnered with contractors and vendors to consult on new vivarium design, ensuring the facility was optimized for workflow efficiency and high-capacity research from Day 1.
- Managed 2 direct reports while effectively mentoring and training a cross-functional team of 10+ research associates, fostering a high-performance culture and upward mobility within the department.
- Acted as the primary operational liaison for PhD-level scientists, translating high-level research visions into executable technical protocols and resource plans.
- Maintained an audit-ready vivarium environment by ensuring all animal care, husbandry, and research activities were conducted in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols and institutional animal welfare standard.
Senior Research Associate
BioAge Labs
Emeryville, CA
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Promoted to oversee 2 direct reports, providing technical training and professional development to ensure high-level proficiency in in vivo protocols and vivarium operations.
- Designed and executed research studies, analyzing results and providing data-driven recommendations to project teams.
- Oversaw vivarium inventory and supply management to ensure uninterrupted support for ongoing research.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute projects and meet critical research timelines.
- Communicated study progress and experimental findings to project teams to support data-driven decisions.
- Supported colony management and breeding strategies to maintain genetically defined mouse lines for research studies.
- Conducted subject interviews and delivered analytical assessments to project leadership.
- Earned RLATG certification
Research Associate II
BioAge Labs
Richmond, CA
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Executed in vivo studies in rodent models, performing dosing, monitoring, and biological sample collection in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols.
- Performed in vivo procedures including PO, IN, SC, IP, and IV dosing; tail vein and retro-orbital blood collection; transcardiac perfusion; and skeletal muscle tissue harvest.
- Collaborated with scientists to design and execute pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and efficacy studies in rodent models.
- Supported rodent colony management, maintaining accurate records for breeding, animal tracking, and study allocation.
Animal Care Technician
BioAge Labs
Richmond, CA
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Maintained animal care and husbandry in accordance with institutional animal welfare standards, including feeding, sanitation, and environmental monitoring.
- Conducted daily room inspections, monitoring animal health, mortality/morbidity, and environmental conditions to ensure compliance with care standards.
- Maintained detailed health and husbandry records, performed humane euthanasia procedures, and managed feed and bedding inventory.
- Performed cage sanitation, organization, and disinfection to maintain a clean and compliant vivarium environment.
- Assisted research staff with animal handling, restraint, medication administration, and dosing procedures.
- Supported research activities by preparing experiments, collecting data, and organizing study documentation.
- Performed physically demanding tasks including animal handling and supply transport to support daily vivarium operations.
- Earned ALAT certification.
Veterinary Assistant
Mt Diablo Veterinary Medical Center
Lafayette, CA
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Handled and restrained animals during examinations and treatments.
- Administered immunizations and other medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Monitored anesthetic procedures.
- Venipuncture and placement of intravenous catheters.
- Recovered animals post-operative by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Assisted with radiographs and ultrasounds.
- Handled invoices, payments and scheduled appointments.
Room Assistant
Carpinteria Veterinary Hospital
Carpinteria, CA
06.2019 - 08.2020
- Documented patient information including temperature, patient history, symptoms and overall health condition
- Performed and assisted with patient treatments and care, including but not limited to ear cleanings, fluid therapy, medication administration, cleaning and bandaging wounds and venipuncture
- Collected and prepared blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis
- Prepared and labeled medications and instructed clients on administration
- Used management software effectively
- Volunteer
Veterinary Assistant
Foothill Pet Hospital
Santa Barbara, CA
12.2016 - 06.2019
- Handled and restrained animals during examinations and treatments
- Performed routine laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Administered medications to patients
- Obtained and recorded patient charts
- Cleaned and maintained clinic facilities
- Maintained inventory and ordered hospital supplies
- Made surgical estimates to discuss with clients
- Performed administrative tasks such as processing invoices and scheduling appointments
Education
Bachelor's - Biological Sciences
University of California
Santa Barbara, CASkills
- In Vivo Study Design & Execution
- Rodent Colony & Breeding Management
- Vivarium Operations Leadership
- Preclinical Research Operations
- Cross-Functional Scientific Collaboration
- Laboratory Workflow Optimization
- Staff Training & Team Leadership
- IACUC & Animal Welfare Compliance
- Experimental Protocol Development
- Inventory & Resource Management
- Scientific Program Execution
- Process Improvement & Operational Strategy
- Microsoft Office
Certification
- Certified ALAT - June, 2022
Timeline
Associate Manager of In Vivo Operations
BioAge Labs
01.2025 - Current
Senior Research Associate
BioAge Labs
12.2022 - 12.2024
Research Associate II
BioAge Labs
07.2022 - 12.2022
Animal Care Technician
BioAge Labs
01.2022 - 06.2022
Veterinary Assistant
Mt Diablo Veterinary Medical Center
11.2020 - 12.2021
Room Assistant
Carpinteria Veterinary Hospital
06.2019 - 08.2020
Veterinary Assistant
Foothill Pet Hospital
12.2016 - 06.2019
Bachelor's - Biological Sciences
University of California