Socialization/Animal Trainer Specialist
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Summary
Under general supervision of the Comparative Medicine Behavioral Management Services Supervisor, this person will follow current social housing procedures and animal training techniques to support the Comparative Medicine program.
Job description
Overview
Under general supervision of the Comparative Medicine Behavioral Management Services Supervisor, this person will follow current social housing procedures and animal training techniques to support the Comparative Medicine program.
- Perform behavioral shaping and conditioning of research animals to cooperate with research, medical and husbandry procedures, and develop plans for such procedures
- Maintain appropriate documentation and records for social housing, conditioning, and training animals, and maintain the necessary equipment
- Assist with updating and reviewing relevant SOPs, and provide feedback to the supervisor regarding issues and progress
- Assist in technical study support and the collection of samples from research animals
Qualifications
High school or equivalent and five (5) years of directly related work experience or bachelor's degree and two (2) years' of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
Must have knowledge of animal husbandry methods and techniques, knowledge of local, state, federal regulations pertaining to animal husbandry and animal welfare, knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control, knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment and procedures.
Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures. Must have a general understanding of disease transmission from within and outside the facility. Ability to observe, assess, and record animal progress during socialization and conditioning and/or training session. Must be able to work with and handle various large and small animals and instruct others to do so. Species include, but are not limited to, rodents, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, swine, and nonhuman primates.
Must be able to access KAFB and get to the South facility on scheduled work days. Must be available to work scheduled shifts, including weekends and holidays. Work environment may require vaccinations/immunizations as a condition of employment.
Preferred/Additional Qualifications
AALAS certification at the Technician (LAT) level preferred.
Physical Requirements
Work is performed in laboratory and vivarium/animal housing environments. Will frequently stand, sit, walk, kneel, crawl, reach/work overhead, frequently lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds, perform repetitive and perform desk-based computer tasks. Will wear personal protective equipment which may include a respirator. Will work in close proximity to research animals and may be required to work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present which may require vaccinations.
Requirements
- High school or equivalent and five (5) years of directly related work experience, or bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience, or equivalent combination
- Knowledge of animal husbandry methods and techniques
- Knowledge of local, state, federal regulations pertaining to animal husbandry and animal welfare
- Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control
- Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment and procedures
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures
- General understanding of disease transmission from within and outside the facility
- Ability to observe, assess, and record animal progress during socialization and conditioning and/or training sessions
- Ability to work with and handle various large and small animals and instruct others to do so
- Must be able to access KAFB and get to the South facility on scheduled work days
- Must be available to work scheduled shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Work environment may require vaccinations/immunizations as a condition of employment
- AALAS certification at the Technician (LAT) level preferred
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
Company overview
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute is a premier biomedical research organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1947, the institute has a long-standing reputation for conducting cutting-edge research in respiratory biology, infectious diseases, and environmental health sciences. The institute operates as a contract research organization that provides comprehensive preclinical research services to government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions. Lovelace specializes in inhalation toxicology studies, aerosol science, and respiratory disease models, with particular expertise in studying the effects of airborne particles, chemicals, and pathogens on lung health. The institute maintains state-of-the-art facilities including advanced inhalation exposure systems, BSL-3 laboratories for infectious disease research, and comprehensive analytical capabilities. With a focus on translational research, Lovelace plays a critical role in advancing understanding of respiratory diseases and developing new therapeutic approaches for conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.