Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA seeks a coordinator to lead clinical animal behavior services, mentoring students and conducting research on companion animal behavior. Required qualifications include a Master’s or PhD in relevant fields and experience in behavior consultation and training. Responsibilities encompass teaching, mentorship, community outreach, and research on animal behavior, aiming to provide evidence-based practices in collaboration with industry professionals.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field required.
• Experience in animal behavior consultation and training.
• Mentorship experience at undergraduate or graduate levels.
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and pets.
• Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior.
• Develop companion animal behavior curriculum.
• Conduct research on companion animal behavior.

Skills

Consultation and training services

Instructional abilities

Organizational skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field

Job description

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare. The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explores companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
• Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
• Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
• Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field
• Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research
• Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students
• Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression)
• Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research
• Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.