Behavioral Specialist

125 Valley Biosystems, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave

Employee Assistance & Telehealth

Training & Development Programs

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Job summary

Altasciences is hiring a Behavioral Specialist in California to support veterinarians, study directors, and clients. The role involves enrichment, socialization, and behavioral assessments for non-human primates, with a focus on safety and compliance.

You will train staff and maintain enrichment programs, documenting outcomes and ensuring USDA alignment. Requires a high school diploma or GED and at least 3 years of NHP experience in a research setting, plus 1 year of training/socializing.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with NHP in a research setting and 1 year NHP training/socializing.
• CRO and breeding management experience preferred.
• AALAS Certification at the LATg level preferred.
• Ability to effectively comprehend and communicate (verbal and written) in a professional manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel.

Responsibilities

• Maintains databases and program descriptions to meet USDA requirements.
• Cooperate with study staff to enhance study procedures through socialization, enrichment, and training.
• Documents compliance with environmental enhancement SOP.
• Assists with training of staff on enrichment, behavioral, and socialization SOPs.
• Prepares, distributes, and maintains enrichment items for animals.
• Oversees socialization program, including determination of suitable social partners and performs animal socializations and completes related documentation.

Skills

NHP in research

AALAS LATg

CRO and breeding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About the Role This is an advanced level position and works under minimal supervision. This position will provide staff training. The Behavioral Specialist performs various duties to facilitate and support the work and research of the Veterinarians, Study Directors, and clients by completing a variety of animal behavior activities in the areas of enrichment, socialization, and behavioral assessments. As a team, the behavioral staff is responsible for the treatment of all on-site behavioral abnormalities present in animals and for the fulfillment of the preventive program.

What You'll Do

• Maintains databases and program descriptions to meet USDA requirements.
• Cooperate with study staff to enhance study procedures through socialization, enrichment, and training.
• Documents compliance with environmental enhancement standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Assists with training of staff on enrichment, behavioral, and socialization SOPs.
• Prepares, distributes, and maintains enrichment items for animals.
• Oversees socialization program, including determination of suitable social partners and performs animal socializations (i.e. pairs or groups) and completes related documentation.
• Assists with colony data (paper and electronic) as per USDA requirements and company policies.
• May attend and participate in company, association, and client meetings.
• Procurement, replacement, and inventory of enrichment devices and treats.
• Performs behavioral observations/assessments.
• Provides behavioral treatments per individual treatment plans.
• Provides operant conditioning training to animals when necessary.
• Ensure safe implementation, documentation, and management of the environmental enhancement program, depending on site.
• Assists with developing, reviewing, and revising environmental enrichment, behavioral assessment, and socialization SOPs and forms.
• Assists with developing and evaluating new enrichment items or methods.

What You Need to Succeed

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with NHP in a research setting and 1 year NHP training/socializing.
• CRO and breeding management experience preferred.
• AALAS Certification at the LATg level preferred.
• Ability to effectively comprehend and communicate (verbal and written) in a professional manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel.

What We Offer

The hourly range estimated for this position is $26.00 - $43.00. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, prior relevant experience, skills, education, certification, location as well as internal equity and market data.

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs

Altasciences’ Incentive Programs Include:

• Training & Development Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus Program #LI-AN1

At Altasciences we all move in unison to assist and work in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of new drug therapies to get them faster to people who need them. No matter your role, we all play an important part and you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. By living our values of Employee Development, Customer Focus, Quality and Excellence, Respect and Integrity, we look to foster a passionate and collaborative work environment and we are looking for talented and enthusiastic people, like you, to join our growing team! Whether you're a recent college graduate or seeking your next career opportunity, it's time to discover your future at Altasciences. We are better together and together We Are Altasciences.

Altasciences is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other protected grounds under applicable legislation.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process are available upon request.