Behaviorist - Nonhuman Primates

The Bionetics Corporation is seeking a Nonhuman Primate Behaviorist to join our team at the FDA/HHS Center for Toxicological Research located in Jefferson, Arkansas.  Jefferson is located approximately 35 miles south of Little Rock, Arkansas. It boasts a low cost of living and offers and array of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, etc.

Bionetics is a government services contractor specializing in engineering and life sciences with locations nationwide. Bionetics offers a competitive wage and benefits package to include:  Medical, dental, vision, paid vacation/sick leave, paid holidays, life insurance, 401k with company matching.

The Behaviorist participates in an integrated program of animal care and environmental enrichment, animal care, and veterinary staff members. This position will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to the implementation and refinement of the Environmental Enhancement Plan for nonhuman primates (NHPs) and other species, such as recommending and distributing environmental enrichment to promote psychological well-being, and assisting with social housing, animal training, and evaluating individual behavioral intervention plans. 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:            

1. Minimum of B.S. degree in ethology, biological psychology, biological anthropology, zoology, behavioral biology, or related field.
2. Experience with NHPs and other laboratory animal species, especially Rhesus and Squirrel monkeys and experience in a similar position is desired.
3. Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel.
4. Must be committed to service as a member of an animal care team that integrates behavioral well-being with effective biomedical science.
5. Must possess knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations governing Animal Care/Diet Preparation facilities.
6. Proficient with MS office software (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.)
7. Good knowledge of both spoken and written English.
8. Must be a legal resident of the United States.                       

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Observe and document behavior in the NHP colony. 
• Trains the NHP staff on normal and abnormal behaviors in Rhesus and Squirrel monkeys.
• Organizes and performs technical duties, such as the preparation, maintenance and distribution of enrichment materials, devices and equipment. 
• Assists in conducting behavioral research that evaluates environmental enrichment.
• Record results of studies, compiles and analyzes data. Assist in the oversight of the NHP colony health, including health surveillance.

• Work with the Clinical Veterinarian to develop and maintain compatible socially housed NHPs within the project requirements.
• Ensure NCTR policies and procedures are followed and keep the contract in compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations and guidelines.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasionally – Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling

Often – Reaching, Standing, Sitting, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing         

Lifting/Moving Requirements – Minimum of 50 pounds

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed mainly indoors in a laboratory environment and/or in an animal care, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure facility, diet/water prep facility, or animal housing/bedding cleaning and prep areas.  Work may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in both areas.  Work area may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

 Employability in the U.S. and pre-employment drug screen required.