SRA 1 (Staff Research Associate -NB SPCR PROG)

The California National Primate Research Center, CNPRC at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates is the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Research Program Manager, provide research technical support to studies involving therapies for human diseases. Research programs focused on functional rehabilitation recovery after spinal cord injury research and research in aging and gene therapy for mental illness diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Responsible for training and testing monkeys to perform complex tasks, such as reaching, grasping, and lifting objects; locomotion on a treadmill; and exploration in an open field cage. Collect data using computerized tablets. Perform data entry and prepare data summaries. Assist with monitoring animal health and social enrichment activities. Provide assistance and support in surgery, necropsy, physicals, and other animal laboratory science technical procedures necessary to fulfill project goals. Communicate with coworkers and a wide variety of Center staff to support project experiments and goals; and possible periodic travel to attend scientific meetings. The incumbent in this position is required to provide support after-hours, weekends, and holidays, and be available for emergency support as required.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires repetitive movement, physical stamina necessary to perform both a variety of routine to complex laboratory procedures which includes operating and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment.
• 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 HIV, SIV, CMV, or Herpes B virus.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including gown, lab coats, scrubs, gloves, masks, face shields, and head and shoe covers.
  Substantial contact with non-human primates including close contact in home cage, open field cage, and restraint chairs.
• Move and lift loaded animal transfer cages and jump boxes weighing up to 40 lbs and up to cage elevations 6 feet high.
• Handle nonhuman primates; considerable animal contact. -Perform diversified tasks that may require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, or standing up to 8 hours per day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination or documentation of illness required.
• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements. TB testing, blood sample, and counseling/orientation interview with Occupational Medicine is required prior to employment and annually thereafter.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 1-2+ environments where nonhuman primates (and rodents) may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as SRV, SIV, HIV, STLV, HTLV or Herpes virus.
  Work with biohazardous agents and strictly adhere to all EH&S biosafety and radiation safety guidelines, and CNPRC laboratory policies and procedures.
• Use and disposal of radioactive isotope, hazardous materials, and other agents adhering to environmental health and safety procedures.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Restricted vacation during peak workload periods and holidays. Work variable hours and overtime (early mornings, early evening, and/or weekends). Incumbent is expected to be available for emergency support as required.
• 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

Mininum Education/Experience:

• Academic experience and training in neuroscience, biological science, physiology or exercise science, psychology or animal behavior, or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and professional technical experience.
• Experience with animal husbandry and care management activities, which includes experience in animal behavioral assessment, assessing animal health, and providing basic acute and intensive care support to animals.
• Experience with MS Office (including Word Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), Google sheets/drive, and ability to operate computerized and electronic devices (such as tablets and GoPros).

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skills to develop behavioral and functional assessment testing protocols, including developing standardized operating procedures for experimental use and associated data collection methodologies.
• Skills to conduct functional rehabilitative testing and training with research animals (nonhuman primates), including fine motor skills, whole-body locomotion, and sensory-motor testing.
• Skills to perform laboratory procedures necessary for performance of work in BioSafety Level (BSL) 2+.
• Knowledge in principles and modes of animal conditioning, training, and behavioral assessment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Neuroscience, Animal Science, and Behavior, Biological Sciences, Physiology or Exercise science, and Psychology.
• Experience in the application of animal behavioral research principles and modes of animal conditioning, training, and behavioral assessment. Experience to conduct functional rehabilitative testing and training with research compromised animals that are undergoing recovery, including fine motor skills, whole-body locomotion, and sensory-motor testing.
• Experience in the principles and practices of behavioral and neurobiology research, managing immune-suppression protocols, and performing both basic diagnostics and neurobiology laboratory techniques.
• Experience to work in a surgical and sterile environment including setting up surgical equipment and preparation of experimental treatments and tracking devices.
• Technical experience in animal health and safety procedures for nonhuman primates.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate and work collegial with on-site and off-site research teams and CNPRC personnel. Organizational and time management skills. Problem solving skills.
• Basic understanding and interest in anatomy and biological sciences.
• Skills to work in a surgical and sterile environment including setting up surgical equipment and preparation of experimental treatments and tracking devices.
• Skills to clean, order supplies, and maintain organization within a research laboratory.
• Knowledge of Primate Center policies.

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. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 . 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .