Under general direction of Program Supervisor, perform and coordinate, a full range of behavioral and psychological welfare assessments and service support to Principal Investigators (PIs), Colony Management and Primate Medicine, focusing on social management of primate social groups. Additional responsibilities involve conducting systematic behavioral observations to monitor social group stability and colony health, evaluate behavioral compatibility of indoor housed primates, evaluating primates exhibiting indicators of psychological distress, and special projects as directed by the Supervisor.
Provide support in the use of positive reinforcement training.
Duties include planning and coordinating social group formations and introductions, developing and implementing solutions to mitigate behavioral and social problems , monitor hospital discharges per the department procedures, reviewing animals suggested for relocation in coordination with Primate Medicine and Research and Logistics, scientific data collection of behavioral interactions and welfare indicators, fulfilling project requests for animal harvest and sales, environmental enrichment distribution, and regulatory documentation of procedures. Provide support to PIs related to study design, animal selection and long-term maintenance of social groups. Develop and maintain colony behavioral databases.
Behavioral management is a critical component of the CNPRC Colony Operations and research activities to assure animals are in good psychological health and fit for use in research projects. Ability to exercise good judgment regarding animal health and behavioral evaluation and monitoring in carrying out the responsibilities of this position are the greatest responsibility required of this position.
Apply By Date March 26, 2025 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Bachelor's degree in animal sciences, animal behavioral science.
- Experience with applied principles of animal behavioral research with a focus on social management of groups of primates.
- Experience utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques to monitor, record and analyze social interactions between primates in various degrees of social complexity.
- Experience within implementing, and assessing the impact of behavioral interventions including the use of enrichment, and fostering positive human-animal relationships and experience in assessing and analyzing normal and abnormal behavior in primates.
- Applied knowledge of regulations pertaining to care and welfare of research animals including USDA, ILAR, and AAALAC.
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities to apply animal behavior concepts and principles working with macaques, ranging from infants weighing < 1 pound to adults weighing >30 pounds, safely and in a manner that promotes animal welfare.
- Skills and abilities to collect behavioral data to perform data evaluation and analyses supporting colony operations and research programs, which includes the ability and skills to organize data and prepare written summaries, preparing animal protocols and demographics reports and conducting data analyses.
Preferred Qualifications
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) technician certification: Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) or Animal Technologist (LATG) certification.
- Experience managing complex and large-scale behavioral research projects simultaneously and effectively, where organizational skills and attention to detail are essential to meet operational goals.
- Demonstrated experience in behavioral data collection using behavioral data collection software and experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Demonstrated experience working in animal biosafety conditions (levels 2 and 3) to adhere to biohazard containment procedures necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Experience in project management principles and practices that include applied experience in experimental design, creating project summaries/reports, methods for research data collection, and behavioral animal laboratory science protocols/SOPs.
- Knowledge of animal biosafety and bio-surveillance procedures.
- Skills to effectively build client relations and demonstrate the ability to manage and cultivate relationships with scientists, trainees, service teams, staff, and students.
- Skills to respond effectively to PI inquiries; strong initiative; self-driven to deliver results beyond expectations.
- Professional level communication skills that include the ability to articulate issues clearly and gain consensus from management, PIs, and different teams on how to address program issues.
- Familiarity and previous use of analytic tools and exposure to new analytic methodologies used by professionals in the field of animal care and behavioral management in a large biomedical research facility.
Key Responsibilities
- 70% - Outdoor Behavioral Management
- 15% - Animal Welfare Assessments & Reviews
- 10% - Database Management
- 5% - Special Projects
Department Overview
The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is an Organized Research Unit which conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health related problems where non-human primates are the animal models of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to its missions of teaching and service.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $28.88/hr. - $46.46/hr.
- Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
- UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
- UC Job Code: 009617
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
- Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
- Location: Davis, CA.
- Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Employee shall participate in required preventative
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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