Research Support, Behavior and Training Associate

What You Will Achieve

This position focuses on training colleagues in the handling, care, and cooperative handling of primarily nonhuman primates (NHPs) and also serves as a subject matter expert and key contributor to the hands-on training program and handling of NHPs and other species (ex: habituation, positive reinforcement training). The position will aid in implementing novel approaches and continuous improvement to nonhuman primate handling and aid in implementing and expanding our cooperative training program in NHPs and other species at a GLP facility.

How You Will Achieve It

The primary responsibility is to be a part of a team of individuals passionate about nonhuman primate care and behavior and integral to the success of the NHP acclimation, habituation and cooperative training/ positive reinforcement program by performing tactical components NHP handling and training. This includes training colleagues in key concepts of behavior and handling as a Subject Matter Expert.

• Work with the CM Scheduler to schedule hands-on training sessions with CM Operations and veterinary technicians in applicable programs and techniques such as acclimation, habituation, and cooperative training/ positive reinforcement program, and socialization. Complete training documentation for trainees in electronic database

• Create and edit shaping plans for handling, create and adjust behavior management plans, and perform temperament testing to aid in socialization program, where appropriate

• Work with veterinarians and Global Training colleagues to aid in the writing and revising of training modules and for applicable programs and techniques

• Contribute to local/global teams in the refinement, continuous improvement, and innovative concepts in nonhuman primate and handling

• Serve as a role model in human safety when working with and handling nonhuman primates

• Set a workplace standard through leading by example, showing mastery of all animal handling SOP’s, regulatory guidelines and Pfizer policies.

• Exemplify work-place standards, positive habits and behaviors to co-workers.

• Interact with key in vivo research contacts to expand acclimation/handling/ positive reinforcement that meets study needs and objectives.

• Contribute to operational excellence by the collation of metrics to aid in staffing and scheduling for NHP training, acclimation, etc.

• Rotate occasional weekends to expand touchpoints for NHPs in training, to work alongside trainees progressing in training, aid in study readiness of trainees and study support

• Maintain appropriate animal health, husbandry, or study-related records in compliance with regulatory and departmental standards

Qualifications

Must Have

• BS/BA with 3+ years experience OR MA/MBA/MS with 0+ years experience required

• The candidate must be an expert at nonhuman primate handling and restraint, specifically in NHP cooperative methods and an expert at training nonhuman primates in novel approaches in cooperative handling and restraint (outside of typical pole/ collar carrying or hand catching).

• All colleagues should have functional knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, and calendar management. Colleagues should be able to use on line systems such as time tracking and document management. (e.g. electronic medical records, SharePoint, Activity Tracker). Knowledge and use of other systems based upon job function may be required

Nice To Have's

• AALAS certification preferred.

• Experience working in a large, complex nonhuman primate facility (ex: national primate research center) with a focus on nonhuman primate behavior and training is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform repetitive physical activities such as:  pushing and pulling racks of caging, lifting and moving water bottles, bags of feed and bedding, reaching, stooping and bending.

• Ability to move 50-pound bags of feed and bedding and a Functional Capacity Evaluation may be required.

• For this position, if at a site with nonhuman primates, you are expected to enter the nonhuman primate areas as part of your job responsibilities, a pre-hire requirement is either providing proof of measles immunity or receiving the measles vaccination before hire.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• This is an Essential Personnel role.

Essential Personnel are defined as the staff that are required to report to their designated work location, to ensure the operation of essenti