Socialization/Animal Trainer Specialist
The Mind Research Network
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.
- 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
- 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 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 an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience
- 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
- 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
- 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
Company overview
The Mind Research Network (MRN) is an independent non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and brain disorders, MRN operates as a 501(c)3 organization focused on neuroimaging technology and neuroscience research. The organization consists of an interdisciplinary association of scientists located at universities, national laboratories, and research centers worldwide, creating a unique national infrastructure that connects leading neuroscience minds with cutting-edge neuroimaging capabilities. MRN's research spans multiple specialized areas including addiction, autism, forensics, neurodevelopment, psychosis, traumatic brain injury, aging research, and neuroinformatics. The organization maintains state-of-the-art imaging facilities featuring advanced equipment such as Siemens 3T Prisma MRI systems, Elekta Neuromag MEG systems, and high-density EEG labs. With 201-500 employees, MRN collaborates extensively with academic institutions and healthcare providers while offering imaging services, data analysis capabilities, and clinical research opportunities to advance understanding of brain function and neurological disorders.