Lead Animal Behavior Management Specialist - Emory Primate Center - Emory University

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Description:

The Behavioral Management Unit within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full time Lead Animal Behavioral Management Specialist to join our team. Our work consists of the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral management techniques for our population of nonhuman primates. These techniques include behavioral assessment, environmental enrichment, social housing, and animal training to address behavioral and welfare needs. Our work is science based and our goal is to improve captive primate welfare and support essential biomedical science. We share our research findings with the scientific community via publications, presentations, webinars and workshops.

 

The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude and passion for animals and research. The Lead Animal Behavioral Management Specialist will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with colleagues within and outside of the Behavioral Management Unit. The Lead Animal Behavioral Management Specialist will work to ensure the highest quality of animal welfare and behavioral management implementation and support, and will have excellent communication skills with co-workers, the management team, animal care, veterinary medicine, research staff, students, and other support services.

 

EMORY NATIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER:

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu

 

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with non-human primate experience who is familiar with direct application and assessment of behavioral management techniques such as behavioral observations, enrichment, social housing, and animal training this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community by enhancing animal welfare. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in an integrated program of animal care and environmental enrichment with enrichment, animal care, and veterinary staff members.
• Positions within the Emory National Primate Research Center will be working with nonhuman primates, while employees in the School of Medicine Division of Animal Resources will be working with other laboratory animals, such as pigs and ferrets.
• Responsible for ordering supplies needed for enrichment program.
• Organizes and performs technical duties, such as the preparation, maintenance and distribution of enrichment materials, devices, and equipment.
• Oversees and performs assembly, repair, and distribution of foraging devices, puzzles, and other objects for animals to eat, manipulate and explore.
• Maintains inventory of supplies.
• Designs, develops, and tests enrichment techniques, new ideas for enhancing captive environments, and interventions in terms of practicality, use by animals, and efficacy for improving behavior.
• Determines potential social partners, completes social introductions, monitors progress, and makes decisions about outcomes of introductions for social species.
• Monitors social interactions of group-living animals.
• Designs, develops, and implements specific animal training procedures that employ behavioral modification techniques.
• Identifies animals that need specialized therapy for observed behavioral problems.
• Coordinates documentation of enrichment procedures and generates written and numeric progress reports on the behavioral management program.
• Assists in conducting behavioral research that evaluates environmental enrichment.
• Collects observational data for enrichment studies.
• Assists in planning and scheduling research procedures.
• Records results of studies, compiles, and analyzes data, and prepares charts and graphs.
• Uses independent judgment in applying or adapting scientific techniques.
• May assist in research protocol design.
• Demonstrates and trains others in proper research techniques and use of equipment.
• Troubleshoots and performs routine repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Reviews literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings.
• Indoor and outdoor work environment, exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as Biology, Psychology, Zoology, Anthropology, Wildlife Management, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• At least two years' experience in enrichment and/or behavioral research.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Must gain or attempt to gain LAT Certification through AALAS within one year of beginning this position.
• The ability to lift up to 45 pounds.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to multitask.
• Attention to detail.
• The ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment both seated at desk/computer and standing inside animal areas.
• Work environment around biohazardous blood and tissues although this is not typical.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Indoor and outdoor work environment, exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

Emory NPRC in conjunction with Emory University conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which may include an INA and criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, drug screening, health assessment, requirement of various vaccinations (including COVID-19 plus one booster if job requires hands-on contact with animals/NHP). Employment is contingent upon a clear background screening.

 

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture:Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
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