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BSD ARC - Veterinary Services 1

About the Department

The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.

Job Summary

The job plans and executes laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others.

Under the guidance of the large animal clinical veterinarian, develops, implements and manages a behavior/enrichment program for USDA covered species, with emphasis on non-human primate population. Develops technical training modules, creates and manages behavioral database(s). Serves as department liaison to research groups for behavioral and animal welfare related tasks such as enrichment, socialization, operant conditioning, chair training, pole and collar training, target training, etc.

Responsibilities

Performs and documents behavioral observations on USDA regulated animals, with an emphasis on non-human primate colonies. Performs frequent observations of large animal colonies for signs of illness, distress, self-injurious behavior or abnormal behavior. Reports animal health care problems and concerns to the veterinarian for consultation, advice or instructions. Keeps investigative groups informed of all behavioral and welfare related matters pertaining to their animals. Conducts daily hydration and wellbeing checks for nonhuman primates, coordinating associated issues with veterinary staff and investigators.

Determines potential nonhuman primate social partners, completes social introductions, monitors progress and makes decisions about outcomes of introductions. Responsible for managing the daily pairing of nonhuman primates according to work/feed schedules, ensuring animals are paired throughout the day or overnight as required.

Monitors social interactions of group-living nonhuman primates. Evaluates and determines which animals will be housed together to ensure safety and encourage positive species-specific behaviors. Manages positive reinforcement animal training program with the goals of improving and facilitating husbandry, veterinary, and research procedures, and reducing the stress of these procedures on all animals. Designs, develops and implements specific animal training procedures that employ positive techniques, and oversees the implementation of animal training by others. Leads comprehensive staff training in positive reinforcement techniques, focusing on the application of these methods across all areas of animal care and handling. Provides hands-on training, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure that all staff are proficient in employing positive reinforcement strategies, promoting consistency and minimizing stress during interactions with animals. Monitors staff progress and addresses any challenges to ensure continuous improvement in training practices.

Identifies programs of intervention for those animals that are in need of specialized therapy for observed behavioral problems. Coordinates documentation of enrichment procedures and generates written and numeric progress reports on the behavioral management program. Collects and compiles observational data for assessing animal welfare.

Assists in research study design to ncorporate social housing and animal training. Reviews literature for relevant studies that may influence the behavioral management program. Oversees the design and implementation of nonhuman primate enclosures. Develops and ensures proper training protocols are in place to facilitate safe and efficient animal movement, allowing animals to exit enclosures for laboratory procedures, husbandry activities, and clinical care with minimal stress and disruption.

Serves as a co- chair of the Animal Welfare and Enrichment Committee, a research-driven body evaluating areas for potential enrichment and welfare improvements for all USDA and non-USDA regulated species on campus. Provides updates through quarterly newsletter publications. Responsible for documenting and formally presenting all changes regarding any animal enrichment programs to the IACUC. Presents animal welfare associated programmatic changes/improvements in formal settings within and outside of the university.

Conducts formal orientation for new lab and staff members on nonhuman primate behavior, emphasizing the impact of human actions on animal behavior. Provides guidance on building positive relationships and earning trust through safe and effective interaction techniques. Regularly attends continuing education opportunities, conferences, and webinars on relevant topics and fields. Serves as an ac