Director of Breeding Colony
Job Title: Director of Breeding Colony
Location: South Florida
About Us:
We are a leading supplier and breeder of Non-Human Primates for the biopharmaceutical development industry. Our outdoor facility in South Miami, Florida, has a capacity for over 6,000 animals across six species. We play a critical role in the drug development process by testing the efficacy of drugs on primates before they enter clinical trials in humans.
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Director of a Breeding Colony to lead our primate breeding program of 3,000 animals. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the breeding colony, ensuring the health and well-being of our primates, and contributing to the advancement of primate breeding research.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and lead several groups: Manager of Breeding Colony, Veterinary behaviorists, nursery staff, physical, biological products, and husbandry for the breeding colony.
- Collaborate with veterinary staff, husbandry staff, behavior and enrichment staff, admin, staff, facilities staff, business office to maintain the health and welfare of primates
- Develop and implement breeding strategies and protocols to maintain and elevate standards
- Manage the pairing of primates and monitor breeding behaviors
- Oversee the selection and acquisition of breeding stock
- Ensure the direction of proper nutrition and enrichment of primates in the breeding colony
- Analyze and interpret data from health records related to breeding activities and animal care to make decisions.
- Maintain compliance with regulations and protocols related to animal welfare and research
- Oversee animal welfare, feeding, monitoring, record keeping, care, and day-to-day management of primates in the breeding colony
- Confirm that all primates have proper feed and water, monitor their health, and oversee the weaning process
- Schedule and assign tasks to meet production and quality goals
- Oversee general maintenance of the facility
- Maintain the highest level of animal health and welfare standards
- Assess physical space for an increase in the headcount of animals
Qualifications:
- Degree in biology, animal science, related field, or equivalent experience. We are open to DVMs, Behavioral Specialists, Primatologists, and animal production leaders.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience managing a breeding colony
- Strong understanding of animal behavior and reproductive physiology
- Proven ability to manage a team and develop effective breeding strategies
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others
- Knowledge of regulations and standards related to animal welfare and research
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, on an as-needed basis
- Physical ability to lift and move heavy objects and work in outdoor conditions
- AALAS Certifications of LAT, LATG, or CMAR preferred but not required
Benefits and Appreciation:
- Company Paid Holidays
- Company health benefits for the employee, including medical and dental
- Options for additional benefits such as life insurance
- 401K, including Roth option and company matching
- 0% State Income Taxes
In summary, we are seeking an experienced Director of the Breeding Colony to lead our primate breeding program and ensure the production of quality animals. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of animal behavior and reproductive physiology, be able to manage a team, and have excellent communication skills between different groups and factions of people. The candidate should have a comprehensive perspective, from bird’s eye to ground level, and be capable of analyzing from both macro and micro perspectives utilizing technology and available data. The candidate should also have knowledge of regulations and standards related to animal welfare and research and the willingness to work flexible hours. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, and an opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of life-saving therapeutics.