RESEARCH SCIENTIST 1 - TRAINER Req #:207892Department:Washington National Primate Research CenterPosting Date:08/30/2022 Closing Info:Open Until Filled Salary:$3667-$4400 per month Other Compensation: Shift:First Shift Benefits:As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

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.

The University of Washington invites applications for the position of Research Scientist 1 - Trainer, at the Mesa Arizona breeding colony of the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC).

The primary purpose of this position is to provide the appropriate environment to empower the delivery of leading-edge scientific discoveries and promoting the highest standards of care, health, well-being and conversation for primates around the world. In conjunction with our Mission
Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:

• Commitment to Research
• Teamwork
• Accountability - Productivity
• Communication

This Research Scientist works as a part of the Behavioral Management Services (BMS) team in Arizona to ensure the optimal psychological well-being and behavioral health of our NHPs as guided by the federally required UW Environmental Enhancement Plan. BMS staff also contribute to currently accepted professional standards regarding NHP health and well-being through collaboration, presentations and publications of BMS-related scientific research.

The ability to understand and follow WaNPRC standard operating procedures (SOPs) and specific research protocols is necessary for this position. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are mandatory as the employee will be interacting closely with diverse staff including veterinary, husbandry, and research staff as well as student volunteers.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Training:

•Under the supervision of the Arizona BMS Manager and with the guidance of the Primate Training Manager and the WANPRC BMS Manager conduct the following:
•Train NHPs using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement methods to support voluntary cooperation for a variety of tasks related to standard animal care and well-being
•Train and lead animal resources staff to shape the specific NHP behaviors needed
•Manage primate training requests from staff and respond to requests in a positive and timely manner
•Maintain detailed training records for both staff and NHPs
•Collect and analyze metrics for cost/benefit evaluations, reports and publications
•Research additional training methodologies and collaborate with outside experts in the field as needed
•Lead mandatory introductory PRT classes for staff, visitors, students as needed
•Instruct/ guide other BMS staff on PRT as needed
•Assist in research, publications and presentations related to training as needed
•Participate in weekly Training Team mtgs

Environmental Enrichment:

•Identify enrichment needs and order 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.
•Help make enrichment treats and maintain kitchen as needed.
•Manufacture, inventory and implement structural environmental enrichment in enclosures
•Transport and set up BMS equipment between facilities as needed
•During semi-annual TB testing, assist with physical examinations of the NHPs and apply hair dye for identification purposes.
•Perform other duties as assigned.

Research:

•Assist in research pertaining to other aspects of behavioral management and animal welfare
•Conduct data entry, data tabulation, and statistical data analysis as needed
•Consult literature, discuss research design, contribute to BMS manuscripts/ abstracts for publication or presentation
•Attend scientific conferences/ workshops when possible
•Participate in weekly BMS Team Meetings and other meetings as required

The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer. We create progressive change honoring the unique and diverse perspectives in WaNPRC, Office of Research and the UW research community. We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here: https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/

Required Experience:

Bachelor's degree in psychology, anthropology, biology, zoology or related field. (Equivalent experience can substitute for degree requirement.)

Additional Requirements

•Commitment to promoting NHP health and well-being
•At least two years’ experience working with non-human primates
•At least one year of positive reinforcement training with any species
•Experience conducting observations/ collecting behavioral data with any species
•Ability to work in a team environment and instruct others
•Ability to work effectively and with sensitivity and discretion
•Professional written and oral communication skills
•Understand and follow established written protocols, data collection methods and schedules
•Demonstrated ability to work reliably, consistently, and with attention to detail
•Familiar with Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Desired Experience:

•Familiarity with U.S. Animal Welfare Regulations
•Familiarity with environmental enrichment and psychological well-being literature
•Experience observing and reporting the behaviors of NHPs in a research or zoo setting
•Experience with NHP behavioral research, including writing reports on behavioral observations
•Formal training in positive reinforcement techniques including CCPDT, KPDTA, UW-AAB or other animal training certification
•Experience training nonhuman primates using positive reinforcement training including restraint, targeting, presenting for injection
•Experience working well with people of different personalities, education, and cultural backgrounds as well as working in a fast-paced, multi-task setting
•Experience using The Observer and/or HanDBase behavior tracking software
•Desktop computing skills including word processing, spreadsheet design, making graphs, data sheet design, database utilization (e.g., ARMS)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Adhere to the WaNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan requirements for NHPs.

Perform all requisite duties with the goal of meeting the psychological well-being and behavioral health needs of WaNPRC's NHPs.

Participate in the Behavioral Management and Positive Reinforcement Animal Training Programs.

Develop a working knowledge of classical and operant conditioning principles and how they apply to handling animals in a research environment, with positive reinforcement as the expectation.

Develop a working knowledge of non-human primate behavior.

Punctuality as well as regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function of this position.

The ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs.

Appropriate behavior around and appropriate contact with the animals in our care

The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.

Health and Safety Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW's Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, immunizations such as tetanus and vaccinia, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment.

This position may be required to work with and take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing. Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures and staying current on all required training. Blood borne pathogen training and compliance with all WaNPRC, and UW security policies is also mandatory. This position involves handling nonhuman primates and human pathogenic organisms. The ability to work in an ABSL-3 containment facility may be required.

Follow health and safety practices to keep the animals healthy and the employees safe.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

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 affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Employees of the University of Washington are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.