RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1 - ARIZONA
Req #: | 171553 |
Department: | ARIZONA BREEDING COLONY |
Job Location: | Other Location |
Posting Date: | 09/03/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
Notes: | As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here. |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
The Primate Center has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/ Engineer 1. The primary purpose of this position is to attend to and promote the psychological well-being and behavioral health of the primates housed at the WaNPRC breeding facility in Arizona. The person in this position will monitor the social and behavioral health of our primates, help oversee and implement the UW environmental enhancement plan, train animals for voluntary participation in husbandry and veterinary care, and contribute to relevant animal welfare publications. Though this position will be located in Arizona, some training may take place in Washington. Additionally, the person in this position is expected to collaborate with WA staff regularly. This position will work closely with members of the Department of Primate Resources (DPR), and will be considered the AZ representative of the Behavioral Management Staff (BMS).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Animal Training
• Collaborate with DPR staff in AZ to identify and train animals for husbandry and veterinary procedures using Positive Reinforcement Techniques (PRT).
• Develop shaping/training plans for behaviors specific to the AZ breeding colony with input from the BMS Primate Trainer.
• Review training requests with the Primate Trainer, evaluate the animals and provide a plan of action to the requestor in a timely manner.
• Keep detailed training records to document processes and provide metrics.
• Research specific behavior training techniques and collaborate with outside experts in the field if needed.
• Provide continued support when transitioning trained animals to other staff members.
• Encourage feedback and suggestions regarding training.
Behavioral Assessment and Monitoring
• Attain annual statistical reliability with BMS for several types of behavioral assessment and monitoring tasks.
• Conduct regularly scheduled behavioral observations per standard BMS procedures.
• Become proficient in Noldus software in order to conduct quantitative observations as needed.
• Coordinate with other BMS staff if additional behavioral observations are needed.
• Review and discuss behavioral referrals with BMS.
• Conduct physical exams in conjunction with veterinary staff to assess alopecia and to dye animals.
Socialization
• Attend monthly breeding committee meetings to discuss socialization of group or cage-housed breeding animals.
• Help identify animals to go into breeding per breeding committee needs and in consultation with AZ DPR staff.
• Manage introductions of group- housed breeding animals.
• Introduce cage-housed animals per standard BMS socialization policies.
• Ensure socialization needs are met for nursery infants, including introductions to dams or fosters if applicable.
• Conduct regularly scheduled observations to monitor social pairs and groups.
• Maintain detailed socialization records in consultation with BMS.
Enrichment
• Identify enrichment needs and request additional toys, devices, etc.
• Evaluate enrichment items for safety and efficacy.
• Create/post/collect/scan monthly enrichment calendars.
• Review enrichment records and provide metrics as needed.
• Order produce and other enrichment foods.
• Help make enrichment treats and maintain kitchen as needed.
Training Personnel
• Interact with staff in a positive and discreet manner.
• Educate staff on standard BMS procedures, primate behavior, and animal welfare regulations.
• Train staff on operant conditioning, classical conditioning and positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Document personnel training sessions and proficiency for record keeping purposes.
Research Activities
• Assist BMS in conducting research pertaining to behavior, enrichment and animal welfare.
• Consult literature, discuss research design, collect scientific data, and contribute to manuscripts/abstracts for publication.
Other Assignments
• Attend weekly BMS meeting online/via phone.
• Accompany site visitors, as needed, to explain the BMS program.
• Stay current on all required personnel training.
• Collaborate with and solicit help from other DPR staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in natural sciences. (Equivalent experience can substitute for degree requirement.)
• At least 2 years of experience working with nonhuman primates.
• At least 2 years conducting positive reinforcement training with any species.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience with multi-cultural communication.
• Experience training personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and the ability to learn custom software.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment indoors and outdoors in Arizona weather.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
• Training in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Formal education in animal behavior.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.