Job Description

Job Description:

• Performs and documents behavioral observations on USDA regulated animals, with an emphasis on non-human primate colonies. Performs frequent observations of large animal colonies for signs of illness, distress, self-injurious behavior or abnormal behavior.  Reports animal health care problems and concerns to the veterinarian for consultation, advice or instructions. Keeps investigative groups informed of all behavioral and welfare related matters pertaining to their animals.  Conducts daily hydration and wellbeing checks for nonhuman primates, coordinating associated issues with veterinary staff and investigators.

• Determines potential nonhuman primate social partners, completes social introductions, monitors progress and makes decisions about outcomes of introductions. Responsible for managing the daily pairing of nonhuman primates according to work/feed schedules, ensuring animals are paired throughout the day or overnight as required.

• Monitors social interactions of group-living nonhuman primates. Evaluates and determines which animals will be housed together to ensure safety and encourage positive species-specific behaviors. Manages positive reinforcement animal training program with the goals of improving and facilitating husbandry, veterinary, and research procedures, and reducing the stress of these procedures on all animals. Designs, develops and implements specific animal training procedures that employ positive techniques, and oversees the implementation of animal training by others. Leads comprehensive staff training in positive reinforcement techniques, focusing on the application of these methods across all areas of animal care and handling. Provides hands-on training, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure that all staff are proficient in employing positive reinforcement strategies, promoting consistency and minimizing stress during interactions with animals. Monitors staff progress and addresses any challenges to ensure continuous improvement in training practices.

• Identifies programs of intervention for those animals that are in need of specialized therapy for observed behavioral problems. Coordinates documentation of enrichment procedures and generates written and numeric progress reports on the behavioral management program. Collects and compiles observational data for assessing animal welfare.

• Assists in research study design to incorporate social housing and animal training. Reviews literature for relevant studies that may influence the behavioral management program. Oversees the design and implementation of nonhuman primate enclosures. Develops and ensures proper training protocols are in place to facilitate safe and efficient animal movement, allowing animals to exit enclosures for laboratory procedures, husbandry activities, and clinical care with minimal stress and disruption.

• Serves as a co- chair of the Animal Welfare and Enrichment Committee, a research-driven body evaluating areas for potential enrichment and welfare improvements for all USDA and non-USDA regulated species on campus. Provides updates through quarterly newsletter publications. Responsible for documenting and formally presenting all changes regarding any animal enrichment programs to the IACUC. Presents animal welfare associated programmatic changes/improvements in formal settings within and outside of the university.

• Conducts formal orientation for new lab and staff members on nonhuman primate behavior, emphasizing the impact of human actions on animal behavior. Provides guidance on building positive relationships and earning trust through safe and effective interaction techniques. Regularly attends continuing education opportunities, conferences, and webinars on relevant topics and fields. Serves as an active member of the American Society of Primatologists and participates in associated pre-conference committees that develop a wide range of primate-based educational modules. Collaborates with other institutions to consistently evaluate and find areas for improvement in the animal program at the University of Chicago.

• Oversees with maintenance group the construction, repair, and redesign of enrichment devices and equipment. Trains animal care, veterinary and research staff on primate behavior. Responsible for ordering supplies needed for enrichment program. 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.

• Plans own resources and training on various methods and techniques related to molecular-based genetic tests to new laboratory technologists, rotating residents, clinical fellows, researchers, and others.

• Applies standard laboratory procedures to support clinical research studies, such as the preparation of reagents. Handles, processes, banks, and ships patient samples.

• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects. Under a moderate degree of supervision, provides support to clinical research studies.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as Biology, Psychology, Zoology, Anthropology, or Wildlife Management.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in enrichment and/or behavioral research.

• 1-3 years of experience in an academic animal research environment.

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification at any level or eligibility for certification.

Preferred Competencies

• Computer knowledge and skills.

• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance.

• Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students and various administrative offices at all levels of the University, ability to prioritize.

• Strong decision making skills.

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems.

Working Conditions

• Animal facility and office environments, walking, sitting and working in PPE. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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