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Summary:
The Cat Behavior Research Assistant will assist ASPCA staff to conduct original research in a spay/neuter clinic in Robbinsville, NJ. The Research Assistant will perform observations and collect data on cat behavior, input data and assist in cleaning and analyzing the data. The Research Assistant will be exposed to and document processes involved with conducting original research in an applied setting, about animal sheltering, about feline behavior, and about the workings of a high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter clinic.
Job Responsibilities:
Ø >Conduct behavior assessments and collect behavior and physical data from cats housed in a simulated animal shelter setting, following training and direction from supervisor.
Ø >Provide daily maintenance and basic care for the cats participating in the study.
Ø >Provide daily identification of any cat health concerns to clinic veterinarians as needed.
Ø >Provide regular feedback regarding data collection to supervisor or designee.
Ø >Convey collected data, including correctly labeled videos to supervisor or designee on a daily basis.
Ø >Prepare and clean data as needed
Ø >Provide information, data organization, and other basic assistance required for the preparation of research-related articles for publication in peer reviewed journals.
Education:>Undergraduate degree in an animal-related field required
>Some graduate-level experience in an animal-related field is preferred
Experience:
>Experience with collecting and recording data in an organized, systematic manner
>Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic setting
Knowledge Requirements:
Ø >Excellent understanding of feline behavior and body
language
>Knowledge of research design or methodology strongly preferred
Skill Requirements:
>Good feline handling skills>Microsoft Word, Excel and internet skills
>Prior skill in using a video camera & a tablet PC
>Excellent organizational skills
>Proven social skills to work effectively and courteously with spay/neuter clinic staff
>Capable of and comfortable with problem-solving “on the fly”
>Able to set priorities to meet deadlines effectivelyAble to recognize when to ask questions particularly about cat health or study design
>Excellent and precise data collection skills and attention to detail required
Hours:
The position requires full days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday which will be about 40 hours total per week. Travel to this location is required; if needed, overnights on Mondays and Tuesdays will be available. The duration of the full research project may be 8 – 12 weeks, with the week of Memorial Day off.). Training for this position will begin as soon as possible. Assistance with planning and organizing prior to conducting behavior assessments may be possible. We hope to begin this assignment in early May, 2013. Additional hours for data analysis may be required beyond the completion of the data collection.
Additional Information & Essential Functions
Ø >Must be a self-guided individual with proven ability to
work autonomously, with minimal supervision
>Must be open to learning new information and skills
regarding cat behavior to be able to objectively assess cat behavior according
to protocols
>The Research Assistant is responsible for his/her own housing arrangements
>Must have a car to travel to and from the spay/neuter clinic in Robbinsville, NJ
>Must have a Valid driver’s license
>Must be able to stand for several hours at a time
>Frequent crouching and stooping is required to conduct observations of cats in lower cages
>Must occasionally lift and move up to 30 pounds.
>Any work or material that the Research Assistant creates is a “work made for hire” for the benefit of the ASPCA, and all rights in any such work belong to the ASPCA.
This Temporary assignment pays $15 per hour and is eligible for overtime pay, for hours worked, over 40 in any given work week. The position will require the submission of a cover letter, resume, completed application, two professional references and a standard background check.
To Apply:
Please send resume´ and two professional references to:
Dr. Margaret Slater
Senior Director of Veterinary Epidemiology
ASPCA
No phone calls, please. Emails will be answered promptly.