Animal Behaviorist

20 hours ago

Chicago, Illinois, United States University of Illinois Chicago Full-time $65,000 - $75,000/year
Hiring Department: Biologic Resources Laboratory

Location:
Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID: 1043469

Salary:
The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000
- $75,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. About The University Of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.
S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Position Summary Design and implement behavioral and enrichment programs for a variety of species including dogs, nonhuman primates, farm animals, and rodents. Determine causes of behavioral issues and create plans to manipulate the animal toward more desirable behavior. Identify animals for social housing and monitor for incompatibility. Provide training to husbandry and research staff on animal behavior to facilitate husbandry and research activities. Provide study specific training to facilitate research activities. Maintain accurate records to support the success of research and appropriate patient care. Duties & Responsibilities
• Design and implement environmental enrichment and behavioral management programs for a variety of species designed to improve behavior, train animals, and enrich daily life.
• Observe animal behavior, identify abnormalities, determine cause, and develop treatment plans in coordination with the veterinary staff.
• Train animals and/or manipulate their environment to maintain normal behaviors while extinguishing abnormal or maladaptive patterns.
• Provide support to technical and research staff by training animals for routine handling and husbandry. Train animals to exhibit conditioned responses as needed for various studies.
• Provide presentations and hands-on sessions to train staff to handle animals.
• Provide and document training of husbandry staff on large animal and primate techniques.
• Communicate with husbandry supervisors and research staff to schedule training sessions.
• Maintain records as required by research and patient care guidelines and policies.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science (BS) degree required; preferably in biology, zoology or social sciences. Minimum 2-year experience working with at least three different laboratory animal species, including one species of nonhuman primate and one rodent, is required. Certification by the American Associate of Laboratory Animal Science is required. Experience in animal training and manipulating behaviors. Practical and theoretical knowledge of animal behavior. Knowledge of laboratory animal guidelines/regulations. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Preferred Qualifications Master of Science (MS) in Animal Behavior preferred. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.