Animal Welfare Research Associate

Position description

The Animal Welfare Research Associate supports the Director of Animal Welfare in achieving research goals, staying up-to-date with current methodologies and technology, and assisting in the planning of workshops and symposia.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
• Assists in the planning, facilitating, and implementation of research on zoo animal welfare
• Utilizes current statistical methods to analyze data
• Assists in manuscript preparation
• Coordinates the day-to-day activities of interns and volunteers
• Trains staff, interns, and volunteers on the use of equipment and software for data collection
• Creates data collection and entry systems and manages research databases
• Maintains the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare (CZAW) online resource center and physical library
• Participates in the operations of the Endocrinology Lab as needed
• Assists with CZAW workshops and symposia

Working Conditions
The Animal Welfare Research Associate will typically work only on weekdays, but some weekend hours may occur. Work may take place in the early morning or late afternoon hours, and will occur in both indoor and outdoor settings. Direct contact with animals will not occur, but close proximity to animal enclosures will occur.

Physical Requirements
The Animal Welfare Research Associate must be able to perform all principal duties satisfactorily. S/He must be able to perform moderate physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for an extended period of time. S/He must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Minimum
• Bachelor’s degree in the behavioral or biological sciences required
• Demonstrated experience with behavioral/observational research
• Demonstrated experience with multiple statistical software packages
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and EndNote
• High personal motivation, self-management, and attention to detail
• Capacity and willingness to learn new software use, research methods and statistical techniques

Preferred
• Master’s degree in the behavioral or biological sciences
• Previous zoo behavioral research experience
• Record of peer-reviewed publications
• Public speaking ability, both for scientific and lay audiences
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced statistical analysis skills
• Demonstrated experience in hormone assay techniques and the operation and maintenance of associated endocrinology equipment

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