Entry Level Primate Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At PCRC, the needs of the animals are first and foremost. Each animal receives the best care
possible for his or her physical, psychological and social well-being. The animals are treated
with respect, compassion and empathy.

The PCRC is seeking a self-starting employee, who is a team player committed to performing
high-quality animal clinical care and research in a fast-paced research laboratory setting. This
position will be a part of a team that is committed to caring for the animals that make it possible
to advance groundbreaking research in transplantation, COVID-19, diabetes, obesity, and
regenerative medicine to the clinic, while simultaneously conducting the fully-funded (NIH, JDRF
[Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation] and Industry) research of PCRC.  Specifically,
PCRCs research is focused on studying the effects of improving the welfare of animals used in
biomedical models, thus enhancing the translational value of animal models used in biomedical
research.  

As such, the employee must have interest in cooperative handling, enrichment, and
animal husbandry (behavioral management) with rodents, pigs, and nonhuman primates.  The
translational and high regulatory research completed at PCRC requires attention to detail and
the ability to follow precise written protocols that adhere to GLP regulations.
The employee will learn how to provide and be responsible for daily behavioral management,
care, enrichment, and nurturing to animals by preparing food, cleaning enclosures,
and maintaining the Center facility.

 They will receive training, in becoming proficient in transfer, handling, specialized
individual care, and will begin to acquire skills in Colony Management. 
Additionally, the employee will perform research and related tasks in animal husbandry in
evaluating the influence on animal welfare and scientific outcomes. The Center has a unique
focus on primates, so while employees will be working with a variety of animals, they should
have a strong interest in working with monkeys as this is an entry-level position in primate care,
behavioral management and research.

The employee will participate in center support by training new volunteers, keeping detailed
records and reporting on the status of the animals, making updates and revisions to SOPs, and
handle specimens or equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
When not occupied with routine tasks, the employee is expected to participate in other lab tasks
as assigned to advance the teams work.  

Specific duties include:
Research & Lab Support 50%

• Perform NIH, JDRF and business & industry funded research focused on the role of
  husbandry as it relates to animal welfare, scientific outcomes, and support of the
  Program Directors scientific welfare philosophy
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform daily observation/assessment of animals (ie.
  Fecal scoring, health indicators such as appetite, social compatibility with other animal
  subjects, weight fluctuations, Lixit training for hydration assessment, activity level, overall
  health status) to generate data points to use in metabolic research in order to minimize
  disruptions during treatment sessions
•  Record data, make assessments, and perform basic data analysis in order to inform
  future actions/decisions pertaining to animal enrichment
• Perform instrument calibration and point of care assays
• Identify the enrichment needs of individual animals and their phase within a study in
  order to prepare and maintain specialty housing setups for metabolic or infectious
  disease, paying particular attention to each individual animal and their requirements
• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of body weight measurements,
  animal observations (fecal scoring 1-4, enrichment identification and rotation, etc),
  procedures completed, temperament and sociality assessments
•  Assist with animal handling for cooperation with care and research task performance
• Maintain meticulous records and collect research data in accordance with GLP
  guidelines
• Maintains a clean environment and ensures that areas are adequately ordered, stocked
  and that equipment is in working order
• Assist with development of protocol for process improvement and animal welfare
  projects 
• Assist with training and educational programs and tours
• Responsible for safe keeping of sensitive and confidential material
•  Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work
• Participate in Center meetings/rounds
•  Assemble instrument and packs as needed
• Clean lab, instruments, and equipment
•  Other duties as assignedwill develop cross-functional skills by assisting all areas of lab
  Behavioral Management and Specialized Husbandry  50%
•  Identify the specific factors/conditions of animal subjects (ie. Age, physical condition, etc)
  in order to maintain species appropriate housing, social grouping, nutrition and care
• Identify specific needs and history of animal subjects in order to prepare appropriate
  nutritionally balanced food and special diets, clean and enrich enclosures, provide for
  socialization, and maintain the Center facility according to scientific protocols
•  Prepares supplies and paperwork supporting facility management, husbandry, and
  clinical care
• Under the direction of senior staff, participate in veterinary consults, treatment plans, and
  follow up
•  Facilitate open and professional communication related to animals under their care and
  teamwork among a diverse team (technicians, students, DVMs, scientists) to support
  positive outcomes and excellent animal care
• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of: biscuit consumption, daily
  enrichment offerings, supplies used, senior staff communications, census information,
  etc.
• Must adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures and be willing to
  clean and deep clean areas
•  Assist with surgical induction and recovery of large and small animals
•  Must have the ability to work in a clinical care setting

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in a social or natural science or combination of 4 years of related
  education and experience in the animal sciences, biological sciences, analytical
  sciences, or related health sciences
•  Experience working with small and large animals
• Able to function independently as well as in a group
• Must be willing to work a flexible work week; core lab hours are 7am to 3:30pm with
  rotational schedule for evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be able to lift 50lbs by oneself, must be able to sit and stand for long periods
•  A current negative tuberculosis screening and measles vaccination is required as a
  condition of employment

Preferred:

• Experience with animal models for medical research
•  Basic skill in clinical observation and treatment
• Experience in basic small and large animal handling and behavior
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Experience conducting research in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery.

• Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
• The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations
• Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses.  A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.  
  

Pay Range:$46,280 - $54,500 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu