RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIST 2

Req #: 192639
Department: THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL PRIMATE CENTER
Posting Date: 07/22/2021
Closing Info: Closes On 08/05/2021
Salary: $3245-$4325 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-classified-staff-20210208.pdf)
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) has an outstanding full time opportunity for a Research Technologist 2. The primary purpose of this position is to provide the appropriate environment to support outstanding biomedical research directed towards significant human health issues and nonhuman primate health and biology. In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:
- Commitment to Research
- Teamwork
- Accountability - Productivity
- Communication Under general direction of the Head of Behavioral Management Services (BMS) and under direct supervision of the Research Technologist Supervisor, the Psychological Well-Being (PWB) Coordinator (Research Technologist 2) carries out activities to meet the mission of the Behavioral Management Services (BMS) Program. This program oversees the implementation of the federally required UW Environmental Enhancement Plan for nonhuman primates (NHPs) which attends to the psychological well-being and behavioral health of WaNPRC's research monkeys. It also contributes to currently accepted professional standards regarding NHP health and well-being through dissemination of information and publication of scientific studies. The ability to understand and follow WaNPRC SOPs and specific research protocols is necessary for this position. In addition, knowledge of NHP behavior and strong interpersonal and communication skills are mandatory as the employee will be interacting closely with the veterinary, husbandry, and research staff as well as student volunteers. RESPONSIBILITIES: Social Housing Implementation
- Investigate project assignment and blood borne pathogen status of prospective social partners.
- Communicate with investigators and research staff about potential partners and project schedules.
- Write procedure requests for moving selected monkeys into appropriate caging arrangements.
- Send out social contact notices and updates to research and animal resources staff.
- Conduct formal social introduction observations and follow-up compatibility assessments.
- Investigate any reports of social incompatibility.
- Input moves and housing type changes into the animals' electronic records.
- Create and update social contact signs for each animal housing room.
- Enter data regarding social introductions and interactions into the requisite databases.
- Provide updates to the Veterinarians regarding social housing exemptions as requested.
- Provide socialization information on animals transferred to other facilities.
- Provide socialization information for animals to be assigned to new projects.
- Provide input to TDP coordinator.
- Decipher incoming animal socialization/behavior information and provide room map(s) to husbandry so animals are set-up/ready for socialization in a timely fashion.
- Assist husbandry and research staff by coordinating moves between rooms, facilities, etc.
- Meet with new animal technicians and give brief overview of socialization and enrichment procedures. Behavior Monitoring & Research
- Direct behavioral referrals from other staff to the Head of BMS or BMS Lab Manager.
- Note any behavioral concerns during routine duties in animal rooms and notify the facility Veterinarian and the Head of BMS or BMS Lab Manager.
- Enter behavioral referrals in the appropriate databases.
- Assist the Head of BMS and the BMS Lab Manager in qualitative and quantitative assessments of behavioral referrals.
- Perform standardized behavioral monitoring per approved SOPs, which includes but is not limited to qualitative monthly observations and quantitative semiannual monitoring on each animal.
- Process data into formats that can then be incorporated into the animals' online records.
- Under the general supervision of the Head of BMS, assist in conducting BMS-related research projects.
- Contribute to currently accepted professional standards by assisting in literature reviews and participating in the presentation or publication of research on psychological well-being and environmental enrichment topics.
- During semi-annual TB testing, assist with physical examinations of the NHPs and apply hair dye for identification purposes. Environmental Enrichment
- Compile weekly produce and dry goods order for primary work location(s); place order as needed.
- Aid in the management of environmental enrichment inventory (toys, devices). Count, sort, clean, distribute, and store upon arrival.
- Ensure an ample supply of foraging treats. (i.e., making, distributing, and monitoring frozen foraging items) and help distribute food and foraging treats as needed.
- Give extra enrichment to animals with behavioral sensitivities as guided by the Head of BMS or the BMS Lab Manager.
- Distribute and track the use of special enrichment (foraging boards, paint rollers, audio/visual enrichment, etc.).
- Distribute and collect the EE calendars and assist in tabulating metrics quarterly. Other Activities
- Be present for bi-annual IACUC inspections at your designated facilities to answer BMS related questions that arise.
- Accompany site visitors if required to answer questions and explain the BMS Program.
- Attend weekly PWB Coordinator Meetings, Behavioral Management Services lab meetings and other meetings as needed.
- Participate in other meetings and webinars as needed
- Assist in updating schedules, forms, and spreadsheets as needed.
- Provide back-up for other members of BMS team as needed.
- Stay current on all required training.
- Transport and set up BMS equipment between facilities as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned. The Office of Research and the Primate Center shares President Cauce's commitment to combat inequities and racism. The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as institution and employer. We will honor different and unique identities and nurture an accessible, welcoming and respectful environment for all staff, and students and faculty in the Office of Research Primate Center and for all members of the UW research community. We will regularly review our services and systems and adapt them to reflect the evolving environments and work styles of our employees and those we serve. We are ALL responsible for confronting bias and inequities, both individual and institutional, that persist here and throughout our society. Our call is to remove barriers and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all. We all must commit to this ongoing work. Recognizing and valuing diversity will make the Office of Research Primate Center and the University stronger, and enrich the stellar research carried out at the UW. REQUIREMENTS:
- A Bachelors Degree (BA or BS) in an appropriate field of science, such as Psychology, Anthropology, Zoology, or Biology PLUS one year of research experience equivalent to Research Technologist I OR one year of full-time post baccalaureate college in an appropriate field of science or technology. Professional level experience may be substituted, year-for-year, for the formal academic degree. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience working with non-human primates, including environmental enrichment of laboratory primates.
- Ability to work effectively and with sensitivity and discretion in an animal model research setting.
- Must be familiar with observing non-human primate behavior and be committed to promoting primate well-being.
- Desktop computing skills including word processing, spreadsheet design, making graphs, data sheet design, database utilization (e.g., ARMS).
- Familiar with Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
- Demonstrated ability to work reliably, consistently, independently, and with attention to detail.
- Understand and follow established written protocols and schedules.
- Follow sanitary practices to keep the animals healthy and the employees safe. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. DESIRED:
- Experience with nonhuman primate behavior research, including writing reports on behavioral observations.
- At least two years' experience working with non-human primates.
- Experience socializing NHPs in a research or zoo setting.
- Familiarity with "The Observer" and/or HanDbase behavioral observation software.
- Written and oral communication skills.
- Familiarity with environmental enrichment and psychological well-being issues.
- Experience working well with people of different personalities, education, and cultural backgrounds as well as working in a fast-paced, multi-task setting.
- Familiarity with U.S. Animal Welfare Regulations.
- AALAS certification. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Lift a minimum of 50lbs. Contact with animals. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW's Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, immunizations such as tetanus and vaccinia, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment. This position may be required to work with and take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing. Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures, and staying current on all required training. Bloodborne pathogen training and compliance with all WaNPRC and UW security policies is also mandatory. This position involves handling nonhuman primates and human pathogenic organisms. The ability to work in an ABSL-3 containment facility may be required. Punctuality, Regular and Predictable attendance is an essential job function of this position. -Adhere to the WaNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan requirements for NHPs. -Participate in the Behavioral Management and Positive Reinforcement Primate Training Programs. -Develop a working knowledge of classical and operant conditioning principles and how they apply to handling primates in a research environment, with positive reinforcement as the expectation. -Develop a working knowledge of non-human primate behavior. Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.