Kelly Government Solutions is seeking an individual to work on-site as a Research Support Specialist/Veterinary Technician – Non-Human Primates (NHP) at the NIH Animal Center in Dickerson, MD (approximately 5 miles west of Poolesville, MD and 30 miles northwest of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD).
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
- Optional health, vision, and dental plans
- Vacation leave as well as paid federal holidays and 401K plan.
- Access to NIH’s unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
TASKS
(1) Perform daily oversight and implementation of non-human primate (NHP) behavioral phenotyping for the Neurocognitive Aging Section in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience
(2) Conduct studies of memory and age-related cognitive changes in non-human primates; perform neuropsychological testing of animals following temporary inactivation of brain areas.
(3) Work with staff on the design of behavioral testing procedures for documenting the effects of a wide range of experimental manipulations including neurobiological manipulation, neuropharmacological challenge, and aging.
(4) Provide behavioral trainings of monkeys, including chair training (both pole/collar and chain/collar methods) and hand/arm use task training.
(5) Train staff in the administration of behavioral testing procedures, proper animal handling, and surgical techniques.
(6) Provide routine support for computer-aided behavioral testing programs and equipment.
(7) Collect and process biological samples.
(8) Arrange transportation of animal carcasses and specimens to appropriate laboratories within NIH and prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
(9) Handle and train large animals; teach animals to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning.
(10) Coordinate all animal procedures, including quarterly procedures, PET scans, MRIs, and surgeries; assist with all animal procedures and surgeries including intravenous contrast agent fMRI experiments; provide daily meals and enrichment.
(11) Schedule and maintain an accurate research tracking system and database for all research activities, daily records of experiments and results, including research documentation
(12) Analyze and evaluate preliminary behavioral data from monkey experiments; prepare reports and contribute to publications and presentations.
(13) Act as liaison with other staff to ensure proper transfer of animals from housing facility to imaging equipment and research laboratories
(14) Place orders for equipment and supplies related to animal handling and surgical procedures.
(15) Maintain laboratory areas, animal surgical areas and animal holding areas; maintain clean laboratory environment.
REQUIREMENTS
(1) Minimum of high school diploma; bachelor or master’s degree in neuroscience or related discipline preferred
(2) Experience working with and handling non-human primates in a research setting.
(3) Background in technical animal procedures preferably related to primate behavior testing, sample collection, imaging, and analysis techniques
(4) Reliable transportation as NIH Animal Center is not accessible by public transportation
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, short-term disability, and a transportation spending account. Visit https://www.mykelly.us/us-mykelly/perks/ for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
