Director, Applied Behavior Research

ASPCA • New York, NY

2d • $105,000 - $136,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Director, Applied Behavior Research leads the design and development of internal applied behavior and welfare research projects focused on ASPCA cruelty-case populations and generalizable behavior interventions and welfare assessments for shelter-housed dogs and cats. The role works within the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior vertical, collaborating across the Behavioral Sciences Team, Learning Lab, and behavior teams at Shelter and Rehabilitation Operations facilities to advance animal welfare priorities and inform shelter practices.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Applied Behavior Research, this position provides subject matter expertise in applied behavior science and methodology, translates research findings into practical applications, and develops learning opportunities for behavior teams and broader ASPCA audiences. The Director leads collaborative, cross-functional projects and committees, builds research capacity and partnerships, and communicates findings through publications, reports, and presentations. The position has no direct reports.

This is a remote-based position open to candidates residing in the United States, with travel of up to 15% required, sometimes on short notice. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays based on program needs. The role requires a PhD in an animal behavior field, at least six years of professional research experience after the PhD, and strong research, statistical, communication, and project-management capabilities.

Requirements

• PhD in an animal behavior field, such as applied ethology, behavioral ecology, or animal welfare science.
• At least 6 years of professional research experience after completing a PhD.
• Experience writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Leadership experience, such as managing, mentoring, coaching, or training others.
• Ability to apply discipline-specific tools and knowledge to novel animal welfare questions.
• Ability to translate research for applied audiences, such as shelter staff and executive leadership.
• Ability to guide teams without direct reporting authority and drive shared outcomes.
• Knowledge of research methods, experimental designs, and threats to internal and external validity.
• Demonstrated ability to identify research data sources and assess their quality.
• Strong statistical analysis skills, including generalized linear mixed models.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, or Stata, and with Excel; data summary and visualization skills.
• Strong project oversight and management abilities, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and verbal, written, and typing communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, rapidly assimilate information, adjust to changing directions, and reprioritize work.
• Ability to work confidently and independently in a remote office.
• Ability to adhere strictly to protocols and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to stand for 8 or more hours on concrete floors, bend, crouch, kneel, and move freely to handle animals and/or carry and lift research equipment.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• English language proficiency.
• Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling certification, or ability to obtain it within 6 months of hire.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% of the time, sometimes with short notice.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, based on program needs.

Nice To Haves

• Applied companion animal behavior experience.
• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), or ability to become certified within one year of hire.
• Formal experience with science communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct collaborative applied behavior and animal welfare research projects.
• Use data sources creatively and apply interdisciplinary approaches to research questions.
• Identify and prioritize research questions with potential to advance organizational priorities and the animal welfare field.
• Lead research projects with minimal supervision, including scoping projects, defining roles and responsibilities, establishing timelines, and communicating with stakeholders.
• Complete research project components using relevant expertise and identify when a project’s scope or goals need to change.
• Identify audiences for research findings and support internal and external communication plans.
• Lead or participate in initiatives that advance internal and external research, including ASPCA-sponsored research grant programs and the annual ASPCA Research Forum.
• Manage consultants and temporary employees as needed.
• Mentor interns and junior colleagues in research.
• Communicate research to diverse audiences through journal articles, reports, and presentations.
• Maintain and develop subject matter expertise relevant to ASPCA work and provide expertise across the organization.
• Translate subject matter expertise into insights for ASPCA strategic and programmatic work.
• Keep abreast of research in relevant animal welfare areas and share findings to support change.
• Build and maintain partnerships with organizations, universities, and other institutions working at the intersection of animal welfare and behavioral biology.
• Build effective relationships across the organization and help identify and prioritize impactful work.
• Help teams identify research that supports programmatic goals and elevate data-driven insights to support ASPCA strategy.
• Participate in collaborative committee work and travel for conferences, research studies, and support of forensic behavior and field operations.
• Support behavior colleagues across multiple teams as a subject matter expert and oversee creation and delivery of learning opportunities.

Benefits

• Affordable medical coverage, employer-paid dental coverage, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off including vacation, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%, plus an additional 4% employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support field work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree