The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health-related problems where nonhuman primates are the animal models of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to its missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the PI in the Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, provide technical support for projects on neurodevelopmental disorders in the nonhuman primate and rodents. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in preclinical studies of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. Participate in laboratory studies using nonhuman primate and rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and assist in studies using behavioral and neuroanatomical approaches, including conducting behavioral studies and brain tissue processing. Duties include physiological and behavioral data collection, project coordination, project planning and scheduling, maintenance of computerized databases, and preparation of biological and histological samples. Train other lab personnel including establishing reliability measures among research staff as it pertains to nonhuman primate and rodent behavioral assessments. Apply technical and theoretical knowledge of animal behavioral assessments, observations, scans, and recording for scientific behavioral testing and monitoring. Perform technical research and prepare technical reports and perform data collection and summary. Effectively collaborate on research projects as directed by protocols and research goals. On assigned projects, manage data collection, entry, and analysis; and troubleshoot, recommend, and develop new techniques and protocols. Duties will be carried out primarily at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) and occasionally at the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Performs diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
• Substantial contact with animals. Handle, move, and transport animals. Move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Position requires repeated movement, repetitive procedures, operating and maintaining equipment, and safely lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head covers.
• Use and disposal of radioactive isotope, hazardous materials and other environmental health and safety procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination or documentation of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Individual will work routinely with animal and specimens and chemical agents.
• Must perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 2/3 conditions where non-human primates may be naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as SRV, SIV, HIV, STLV, HTLV or Herpes virus.
• Position requires employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present. In such instances, employee will be required to wear protective clothing for personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Must be able to work irregular hours (early mornings, early evening, and/or weekends, as needed). Work occasional weekends and holidays.
• Primary work location CNPRC; occasional work at the MIND Institute in Sacramento may be required.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Academic background in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Animal Behavior or other biobehavioral science or the equivalent combination of education, training, and prolonged study and professional technical and behavioral experience from which comparable skills have been acquired.
• Experience in conducting behavioral assessments with rhesus monkeys and rodents, which includes experience with the Observer behavioral data collection software for both live coding and video coding.
• Experience in laboratory organizational management that includes project coordination and principles of data collection, experience in drafting animal protocols and amendments that include ethical treatment of lab animals, and management of research project workflow with strong attention to detail. Experience in the use and operation of commonly used laboratory equipment, including a centrifuge and vortexer, and maintaining laboratory equipment in good operational order.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Technical skills to plan out the testing sequence and perform highly technical behavioral testing of nonhuman primates which includes knowledge of rhesus monkey behavior, including animals of all ages.
• Demonstrated and proven skills in maintaining effective communications among various groups of people whose skills are needed to ensure the success of research projects including demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with multiple people.
• Skills and ability to processing biological samples and prepare tissues for a variety of biochemical assessments, including the knowledge of biomedical waste procedures.
• Knowledge of USDA regulations and AALAS practices and protocols pertaining to rat and primate non-human animal models.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Animal Behavior, or other biobehavioral science.
• Experience in coordination and management of small and large-scale research projects simultaneously and effectively.
• Experience working with rodent colony husbandry and health monitoring.
• Experience with Medical Waste disposal and shipping regulations for research samples/infectious agents and disposal/handling of radioactive materials.
• Experience in safely handling potentially infectious nonhuman primates, tissues, and biological specimens.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Extensive skill in behavioral data collection using the Observer behavioral data collection software, experience applying scientific data collection using traditional paper and pencil observation methods, and skill in operating automated behavioral testing equipment, including eye-tracking hardware and software and touchscreen computers.
• Skills in writing IACUC protocols, laboratory SOPs, reports, and data summaries, and developing standardized training and testing models for animal experiments.
• Skills in setting up and troubleshooting video equipment for recording and coding of nonhuman primate behavior.
• Knowledge of USDA regulations and AALAS practices and protocols pertaining to rat and primate non-human animal models.
• Knowledge and skills to manage budgets and tracking of laboratory expenses.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

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