About the Department The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.
Job Summary The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others.
Under the guidance of the Director of Large Animal clinical Services, develops, implements and manages a behavior/enrichment program for USDA animals, with emphasis on the non-human primate population. Develops technical training modules, creates and manages behavioral database(s). Serves as department liaison to research groups for behavioral related tasks such as enrichment, socialization, operant conditioning, chair training, pole and collar training, target training, etc.
Responsibilities
Performs and document behavioral observations on USDA regulated animals, with an emphasis on non-human primate colonies.
Performs frequent observations of animal colonies for signs of illness, distress, self-injurious behavior or abnormal behavior.
Reports animal health care problems and concerns to the veterinarian for consultation, advice or instructions.
Keeps investigative groups informed of all behavioral related matters pertaining to their animals.
Determines potential nonhuman primate social partners, completes social introductions, monitors progress and makes decisions about outcomes of introductions.
Monitors social interactions of group-living nonhuman primates.
Coordinates positive reinforcement animal training program with the goals of improving and facilitating husbandry, veterinary, and research procedures, and reducing the stress of these procedures on the animals.
Designs, develops and implements specific animal training procedures that employ positive techniques, and oversees the implementation of animal training by others.
Identifies programs of intervention for those animals that are in need of specialized therapy for observed behavioral problems.
Coordinates documentation of enrichment procedures and generates written and numeric progress reports on the behavioral management program.
Collects and compiles observational data for assessing animal welfare.
Coordinates with maintenance group the construction, repair, and redesign of enrichment devices and equipment.
Trains animal care, veterinary and research staff on primate behavior.
Responsible for ordering supplies needed for enrichment program.
Designs, develops and tests enrichment techniques, new ideas for enhancing captive environments, and interventions in terms of practicality, use by animals, and efficacy for improving behavior.
Assists in research study design to incorporate social housing and animal training.
Reviews literature for relevant studies that may influence the behavioral management program.
Conducts new tests and researches on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory. Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.
Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
--- Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
--- Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree or Associate’s degree in relevant field such as Biology, Psychology, Zoology, Anthropology, or Wildlife Management, etc.
Experience:
Relevant experience in enrichment and/or behavioral research.
1 year of supervisory experience in an animal facility.
Licenses and Certifications:
LATG Certification through AALAS or ability to earn this certification within one year of employment.
Preferred Competencies
Computer knowledge and skills.
Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance.
Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students and various administrative offices at all levels of the University, ability to prioritize.
Strong decision-making skills.
Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.
Working Conditions
The ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Requires 50% sitting and 50% standing and walking.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Posting Statement Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.
We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.
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