Animal Behavior Specialist - Enrichment & Training

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Chicago seeks an Animal Behaviorist in Chicago, IL to design and implement behavioral and enrichment programs for multiple species, including dogs, nonhuman primates, farm animals, and rodents.

The role requires a BS in biology, zoology or related fields, at least 2 years of experience with three lab animal species, and certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science; MS in Animal Behavior preferred.

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.

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.

Skills

Animal behavior

Animal training

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Zoology or Social Sciences

Master of Science in Animal Behavior

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

University of Illinois Chicago seeks an Animal Behaviorist in Chicago, IL to design and implement behavioral and enrichment programs for multiple species, including dogs, nonhuman primates, farm animals, and rodents.

The role requires a BS in biology, zoology or related fields, at least 2 years of experience with three lab animal species, and certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science; MS in Animal Behavior preferred.