Lab Animal Research Associate II, Non-Human Primates

Job ID: req4730

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program

Facility: NIH

Location: NIH Campus 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

Program Description

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Management and execution of the LASP-Bethesda nonhuman primate (NHP) behavioral and enrichment program, including monthly behavioral observations, pairing introductions, and implementation of behavioral intervention plans
• Staying current with best practices in nonhuman primate (NHP) behavior and welfare, and apply new research and ideas to continuously improve the care program
• Monitoring NHP animal study protocols to ensure compliance with ACUC approved procedures, animal numbers, and social housing
• Assistance with experimental procedures utilizing nonhuman primates including, but not limited to, phlebotomy, administration of drugs, pre-surgical preparation, bone marrow collection, anesthesia monitoring, and post-surgical care
• Observing and recording physical signs of nonhuman primate health and transferring data into record databases.
• Maintaining a proper living environment for nonhuman primates with a focus on enrichment, behavioral assessment, social housing and NHP training
• Nonhuman primate temperament assessments, training using positive operant conditioning methods for in cage behaviors, injection conditioning, and restraint chair acclimation
• Assisting in conducting animal experiments
• Training and mentoring of technical and husbandry staff with a focus on behavior-related topics
• Ordering and preparation of edible and environmental enrichment items for the nonhuman primate behavioral and enrichment program
• Performance of quality assurance tasks in the nonhuman primate facility
• Maintenance and evolution of environmental enrichment program for other species cared for by LASP-Bethesda (rodents, aquatics)
• Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours
  
  

Basic Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to the biomedical or veterinary sciences or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years combined laboratory animal behavioral and technical experience, with an emphasis on nonhuman primates
• Ability to coordinate schedules and perform a variety of technical and husbandry procedures on nonhuman primates
• Ability to keep detailed and accurate written and electronic records and maintain experimental data in computer-based applications/databases
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals and performing scientific procedures involving animal testing and data collection
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to wear respiratory protection equipment if necessary
• This position is considered safety sensitive and will be subject to random drug testing per the Leidos Biomedical Research Drug Free Workplace Program
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Behavioral management of a small to medium-sized nonhuman primate colony
• Behavioral management of laboratory animal species other than nonhuman primates, including aquatics
• Basic nonhuman primate technical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Excellent organizational/observational skills
• Computer/data entry
• Ability to multi-task
  
  

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance
• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to animals and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
  
  

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here

79,500.00 - 113,600.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions