Non-Human Primates (NHP) Research Technician - NIH

Kelly Services • Dickerson, MD

470d

About The Position

The Neuroscience Research Technician - Non-Human Primates (NHP) position at Kelly Government Solutions involves working on-site at the NIH Animal Center in Dickerson, MD. This role focuses on conducting research related to neurocognitive aging in nonhuman primates, including behavioral phenotyping and neuropsychological testing. The position is a long-term contract that offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, providing an opportunity to contribute to significant scientific initiatives at a leading medical research center.

Requirements

• Bachelor or master's degree in neuroscience or related discipline preferred.
• Experience working with and handling non-human primates in a research setting related to cognitive neuroscience and assessments.
• Background in technical animal procedures preferably related to primate behavior testing, imaging, and analysis techniques.
• Must have reliable transportation as NIH Animal Center is not accessible by public transportation.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily oversight and implementation of nonhuman primate behaviorally phenotyping for the Neurocognitive Aging Section in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience.
• Conduct studies of memory and age-related cognitive changes in nonhuman primates; perform neuropsychological testing of animals following temporary inactivation of brain areas.
• Work with staff on the design of behavioral testing procedures for documenting the effects of a wide range of experimental manipulations including neurobiological manipulation, neuropharmacological challenge, and aging.
• Provide behavioral training of monkeys.
• Train staff in the administration of behavioral testing procedures, proper animal handling, and surgical techniques.
• Provide routine support for computer-aided behavioral testing programs and equipment.
• Collect and process biological samples.
• Arrange transportation of animal carcasses and specimens to appropriate laboratories within NIH and prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
• Handle and train large animals; teach animals to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning.
• Coordinate all animal procedures, including quarterly procedures, PET scans, MRIs, and surgeries; assist with all animal procedures and surgeries including intravenous contrast agent fMRI experiments; provide daily meals and enrichment.
• Schedule and maintain an accurate research tracking system and database for all research activities, daily records of experiments and results, including research documentation.
• Analyze and evaluate preliminary behavioral data from monkey experiments; prepare reports and contribute to publications and presentations.
• Act as liaison with other staff to ensure proper transfer of animals from housing facility to imaging equipment and research laboratories.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
• Optional health, vision, and dental plans
• Vacation leave as well as paid federal holidays
• 401K plan
• Access to NIH's unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
• Voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, and short-term disability
• Transportation spending account
• Service bonus and holiday pay plans
• Paid sick leave under applicable state or local plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree