Animal Behaviorist

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Behaviorist designs and implements behavioral management and environmental enrichment programs for dogs, nonhuman primates, farm animals, and rodents. The role observes animal behavior, identifies abnormalities and their causes, and develops treatment plans in coordination with veterinary staff. It trains animals and adjusts their environments to support normal behavior and reduce abnormal or maladaptive patterns. The position also trains husbandry and research staff, supports research-specific animal training, and maintains records in accordance with research and patient-care guidelines and policies. Other related duties and special projects may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree required; preferably in biology, zoology, or social sciences.
At least two years of experience working with at least three different laboratory animal species, including one nonhuman primate species and one rodent species.
Certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science required.
Experience in animal training and behavior modification.
Practical and theoretical knowledge of animal behavior.
Knowledge of laboratory animal guidelines and regulations.
Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Animal Behavior preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement environmental enrichment and behavioral management programs for a variety of species to improve behavior, train animals, and enrich daily life.
Observe animal behavior, identify abnormalities, determine their causes, and develop treatment plans in coordination with veterinary staff.
Train animals and/or manipulate their environments to maintain normal behaviors and extinguish abnormal or maladaptive patterns.
Support technical and research staff by training animals for routine handling and husbandry.
Train animals to exhibit conditioned responses as needed for studies.
Provide presentations and hands-on sessions to train staff to handle animals.
Provide and document husbandry staff training on large-animal and primate techniques.
Communicate with husbandry supervisors and research staff to schedule training sessions.
Maintain records required by research and patient-care guidelines and policies.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.