Job ID 44562-SRA 3 (SRA Research Project Manager Ganguly Lab, Neuroscience & Behavior)
Kandiss Hewing
The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is an Organized Research Unit which conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health related problems where nonhuman primates are the animal models of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to its missions of teaching and service.
Job Summary
Under general direction of the PI, provide research laboratory support management and execution of various research projects to studies of motor functions in macaques; works closely with the PI in designing testing apparatuses appropriate for primate use; troubleshoots and provides insight to modifications and improvements, devise studies strategies that will yield the best outcome for the research and animal welfare. Develop testing methods and data collection methodologies, test and maintain data to assure reliability with the focus on the success of continuing research and funded grant awards. Coordinate and work with the various groups within Primate Services in the management coordination of research projects keeping the PI apprised as well as Primate Services personnel of animal welfare challenges and changes in feeding daily care requirements, etc. Implement and manage complex testing procedures related to the projects to ensure consistency and compliance with the specific grant aims for the success of projects. Perform technical research, which includes designing data collection systems (spreadsheets, databases, and logs) to record data and chart animal progress; clinical data, behavioral data; perform data entry, and prepare technical reports such as data summaries, data methodologies, and study progress reports. Effectively collaborate on research projects as directed by protocols meeting research goals.
Duties include project coordination, which includes assisting in the design, development, and testing of animal behavioral research strategies; testing and troubleshooting a variety of project implementation strategies, modifications, and process improvements to both long term and short-term projects assuring quality research data and animal welfare. Conduct physiological and behavioral assessments of study animals, review animal histories for the determination of inclusion into studies, design data collection methods and mange study data. Serve as Laboratory Safety Officer working with CNPRC EHS in all aspects of lab safety training and laboratory training of new personnel, students, and researchers. Manage sample collections collection and preparation of biological samples. Apply technical and theoretical knowledge of animal behavioral assessments, observations, and recording of scientific behavioral testing and monitoring. Perform technical research and prepare technical reports and perform data collection and progress summaries and reports. Effectively collaborate on research projects as directed by protocols and research goals, which may include updating and/or amending protocols and SOPs supporting changes in projects and research focus. On assigned projects, manage data collection, data entry and analysis; and troubleshoot, recommend, and develop new techniques in both behavioral assessments and data collection.
Salary Range
$62,321.11/yr. - $100,213.20/yr.
Appointment Type
Career
Percentage of Time
100%
Location
Davis, CA
Union Representation
Yes - RX
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Apply by Date
02/08/23
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Performs diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
- Substantial contact with animals. Handle, move, and transport animals. Move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Position requires repeated movement, repetitive procedures, operating and maintaining equipment, and safely lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.
- Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level 2 conditions where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as Herpes B virus.
- Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head covers.
- Use and disposal of hazardous materials and other environmental health and safety procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Measles vaccination or documentation of illness required. Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
- Work routinely with animal and specimens and chemical agents.
- Work in BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 conditions where non-human primates may be naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as SRV, SIV, HIV, STLV, HTLV or Herpes virus.
- Work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present. In such instances, employee will be required to wear protective clothing for personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
- Work irregular hours (early mornings, early evening, and/or weekends). Work occasional overtime and on holidays.
- California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come Into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
- The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education/Experience:
- Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Animal Sciences, Anthropology, Psychology with applied academic training in Neuroscience or other biobehavioral science.
- Experience in neuroscience research and training with electrophysiology, single neuron recording, and electromyography.
- Experience to plan and implement behavioral testing sequences and perform technical behavioral testing of nonhuman primates.
- Experience and applied knowledge of non-human primate monkey behavior, which includes conceptual understanding of the concepts of temperament and personality.
- Experience in planning and organizing training sequences necessary for primates to perform both motor and cognitive tasks into a series of steps and adapt processes meet the needs of individual animals and their recovery/or project goals.
- Applied experience in experimental design and data analyses, presentation of scientific work, and co-authorship manuscripts and publications.
- Experience with Medical Waste disposal and shipping regulations for research samples/infectious agents and disposal/handling of radioactive materials. Knowledge of regulation pertaining receiving exotic animals, infection control practices, primate husbandry, animal welfare guidelines and animal use protocol.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :
- Applied technical skills and technical training in electrophysiology, neuroscience, and behavioral training and assessment.
- Skills to apply experimental design and data strategy development, analyses and management.
- Skills and abilities to mentor and train staff, researchers, and students in NHP neuroscience research and lab practices, which includes principles and modes of animal conditioning and training, behavioral and personality temperament assessment, performing diagnostics, laboratory techniques using nonhuman primates.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Education/Experience:
- Experience in coordination and management of small- and large-scale research projects simultaneously and effectively including organizational skills to independently coordinate projects, perform data summaries and preparing progress reports, and to accommodate changes in project needs; establish priorities; meet deadlines with strict attention to detail.
- Experience in rhesus monkey behavioral research (includes operational knowledge of primate behavioral assessment, which includes skills to distinguish normal and abnormal behavior, and recognize signs of illness).
- Experience in conducting functional rehabilitative testing and training with research animals (nonhuman primates), including fine motor skills, whole-body locomotion, and sensory-motor testing.
- Experience designing and developing behavioral, cognitive, and personality assessment testing protocols, including developing standardize operating procedures for experimental use and associated data collection methodologies.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :
- Skills to safely handling potentially infectious nonhuman primates, tissues, and biological specimens.
- Applied knowledge and practice in psychobiological research acquired through a combination of education/experience and on the job training at an advanced level that include principles and modes of animal operant conditioning and training, behavioral and personality temperament assessment, and cognitive behavioral testing.
- Skill to write IACUC protocols, laboratory SOPs, QA/QC, reports, data summaries and develop standardize training and testing models for animal experiments.
- Skill to prepare tissues for a variety of biochemical assessments.
- Knowledge of USDA regulations and AALAS practices and protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models. Knowledge of regulations for interstate shipping of biological samples to other labs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Background Check
This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.
The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.
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