Description:
The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is searching for an enthusiastic, organized, creative, and skilled person in the field of animal training and behavior. The candidate will be working as part of the Behavioral Services group to train nonhuman primates for husbandry and research activities, to educate other staff on training techniques, to observe nonhuman primates and provide recommendations on various topics including socialization, and to perform other duties as required. The individual will have the opportunity to participate in independent or collaborative research on primate behavior, cognition, evolution, behavioral management, and related topics, and will join an innovative, cooperative, and dedicated behavioral team. This is a full time, onsite position.
The Role:
- Train nonhuman primates for various husbandry tasks (e.g., shift into a new cage or transfer chute) using a positive reinforcement-centered methodology
- Train nonhuman primates to participate in research-related tasks as needed (e.g., hold for injection)
- Provide guidance to investigators on behavior and training-related aspects of studies
- Teach operant conditioning skills and techniques to SNPRC staff to assist with daily husbandry, management, or research
- Maintain animal training records and associated summaries in a computerized database
- Observe nonhuman primates and provide recommendations concerning behavioral management
- Prepare and present seminars to departmental staff (e.g., annual presentations on general animal training, socialization, and appropriate techniques when interacting with animals)
- Participate in research projects
- Keep current on literature regarding animal training and primate behavior
- Participate in journal/book club on topics related to primate behavior
Our Ideal Candidate:
- BS in psychology, anthropology, biology, or related fields
- A minimum of one year of applicable animal experience, including knowledge and experience with operant conditioning
- Comfortable working with laboratory animals including baboons, macaques, and other nonhuman primate species
- Previous experience with nonhuman primates desirable but commensurate experience with other exotic and/or domestic taxa also acceptable
- Good organizational and computer skills
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Capacity to lift and carry 50 lbs for short distances on a regular basis
- Comfortable working in environments where infectious agents may be present
- Comfortable working with hazardous chemicals including Enviro-B and bleach
- Comfortable standing or walking for prolonged periods, pulling and holding overhead cables, or climbing ladders
- Enthusiasm for primate behavior, and its study
Who We Are:
Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease!
Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.
Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:
- The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
- A federally-designated National Primate Research Center
- More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
- An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval
What We Can Offer You:
- Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust!
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)!
- An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 7% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!
- Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)
- On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management!
- On-site gym & wellness programs!
- Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!
- Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity. Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
Requirements:
Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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