Animal Biologist (Non-Human Primates)

Position Objective: Provide services as an Animal Biologist (Non-Human Primates) in support of the overall functions of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) by: Conducts MRI structural scans; Handles and trains non- human primates; Provides safe transportation of non-human primates;  Performs historical processing of non-human primate tissue; Prepares/sterilizes surgical equipment and instruments; Provides input into research protocol and performs surgical procedures on animals involved in research protocols;  Collects, maintains, and organizes MRI imaging data; Performs health surveillance and assessment of non- human primates, and so much more.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all training for monkeys that are not yet enrolled in a project under an SCNI investigator; handle and train large (6-15 kg) rhesus macaque monkeys; bring the animal from the cage into a special chair, safely restrain the animal; teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning; acclimatize animals to the mock-magnet training environment so that the animals grow accustomed to experiencing an enclosed space with loud noises. 5
• Monitor SCNI’s marmoset monkey colony; monitor health, conduct ultrasound, care of babies.
• Assist SCNI’s research with marmosets, rats and macaques; catch the animal from the cage, acclimate the animal to the experimental setup, restrain the animal, give injections; assist with anesthesia in marmosets and rats; prepare implants and implant head restraints; check implants of animals and suggest/help cleaning of the implant if necessary; record chambers and electrode arrays; analyze and evaluate preliminary behavioral data from monkey experiments and report findings; sterilize and clean surgical tools; participate in, prepare for and clean up following aseptic surgery; construct and sterilize small elements used in electrophysiology recordings such as electrode arrays, guide tubes, and cannulae.
• Perform basic level operation of the MR scanner for both structural and functional imaging; maintain the laboratory 3D printer; coordinate with machine shops and/or assist staff coordinate with outside companies for special 3D printing; prepare printing and post-print processing of 3D models; coordinate lab/machine shop interactions, scheduling meetings when needed.
• Work with lab heads on editing and submission of animal study proposals; assist incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule.
• Act as a central person for laboratory members seeking information about where to find things and how things work.
• Monitor health of all animals, including rodents and nonhuman primates, and coordinate their assignment to research projects in the laboratory.
• Handle and train large (6-15 kg) rhesus macaque monkeys; bring the animal from the cage into a special chair, safely restrain the animal Train macaques and marmosets; teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning; acclimatize animals to the mock-MRI training environment.
• Work with PI and postdocs on editing and submission of animal study proposals.
• Assist incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; Assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule.
• Prepare and participate in surgical procedures for both primates and rodents. Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and small elements used in surgery. Conduct anesthesia during the surgical procedure. Assist in recovery from anesthesia following surgery.
• Maintain the laboratory 3D printer; coordinate with machine shops and/or assist staff coordinate with outside companies for special 3D printing; prepare printing and
• Work with staff on the design of behavioral testing procedures for documenting the effects of a wide range of experimental manipulations.
• Perform operation of the MR scanner for both structural and functional imaging.
• Perform basic level operation of the MR scanner for both structural and functional imaging; maintain the laboratory 3D printer; coordinate with machine shops and/or assist staff coordinating with outside companies for special 3D printing; prepare printing and post-print processing of 3D models; coordinate lab/machine shop interactions, scheduling meetings when needed.
• Teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning. 1
• Coordinate all training for monkeys that are not yet enrolled in a project under an SCNI investigator; handle and train large (6-15 kg) rhesus macaque monkeys; bring the animal from the cage into a special chair, safely restrain the animal; teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning; acclimatize animals to the mock-magnet training environment so that the animals grow accustomed to experiencing an enclosed space with loud noises.     2
• Perform basic behavioral training in macaques and marmosets: teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning.
• Act as liaison with other staff to ensure proper transfer of animals from housing facility to imaging equipment.
• Collect and process biological samples.
• Support histological procedures, sectioning tissue, preparing reagents, maintain histology laboratory.
• Foster smooth and positive interactions with the veterinary and animal care facility; serve as the laboratory’s principal interface with the vets and husbandry staff, often working directly with them for shared goals.
• Place orders for equipment and supplies related to animal handling and surgical procedures.
• Maintain laboratory areas, animal surgical areas and animal holding areas; maintain clean laboratory environment. Sterilize and clean surgical tools.
• Maintain the day to day operations of the laboratory which includes coordinating the activities of diverse laboratory research projects, personnel and animals, sometimes requiring assigning space and procuring necessary equipment and supplies.
• Supports research through ordering the supplies, equipment, and other materials required.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on equipment and methods. Consults with other laboratories obtaining research items and developing techniques in order to finding areas of synergy and mutual interest. Sets up and maintains instrumentation in the laboratory and arranges for use of equipment in other laboratories if necessary.
• Coordinate and assist in all animal procedures and surgeries.
• Assist SCNI’s research with marmosets, rats and macaques; catch the animal from the cage, acclimate the animal to the experimental setup, restrain the animal, give injections; assist with anesthesia in marmosets, macaques and rats; prepare implants and implant head restraints; check implants of animals and suggest/help cleaning of the implant if necessary; record chambers and electrode arrays; analyze and evaluate preliminary behavioral data from monkey experiments and report findings; sterilize and clean surgical tools; participate in, prepare for and clean up following aseptic surgery; construct and sterilize small elements used in electrophysiology recordings such as electrode arrays, guide tubes, and cannulae. 4
• Work with lab heads and postdocs on editing and submission of animal study proposals; assist incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule.
• Prepare and participate in surgical procedures for both primates and rodents. Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and small elements used in surgery. Conduct anesthesia during the surgical procedure. Assist in recovery from anesthesia following surgery.
• Support all phases of research in the laboratory. Based on discussions with the principal investigator as to the concepts, methodologies, and overall goals, searches to identify, apply and refine the most applicable protocols and methods to aid the research projects.
• Maintains state-of-the-art knowledge of the particular area of research throughout the life of the project, reviewing available literature on new methods and techniques for potential application within the laboratory.
• Work with the Principle Investigator in the planning, development, implementation and management of all experiments and experimental protocols; contributes to decisions as to the time and resources required to perform the experiments and establishes plans and schedules; periodically evaluates progress of experiments to ensure that they are proceeding as planned.
• Maintain accurate, daily records of experiments.
• Perform basic level operation of the MR and CT scanners for both structural and functional imaging. Determine surgical target coordinates based on MR and CT scans.
• Monitor and correct animal physiology by observing and analyzing data from physiological support equipment.
• Monitor SCNI's marmoset monkey colony; monitor health, conduct ultrasound on pregnant females, care of babies by tracking their well-being and, in some cases, supplemental feeding. 3
• Monitor health of all animals, including rodents and nonhuman primates, and coordinate their assignment to research projects in the laboratory
• Carry out anesthesia in marmosets and rats; conduct anesthesia induction, monitoring and recovery of animals undergoing MRI scans and surgical procedures; work with veterinary staff to develop and refine best practices for anesthesia.
• Provide support and guidance to students and postdoctoral fellows regarding experimental planning, troubleshooting of technical difficulties, and interpretation of results.
• Act as a central person for laboratory members seeking information about where to find things and how things work.
• Assist incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; Assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule.
• Assists the principle investigator in meeting all requirements for the safe and efficient direction of the laboratory and its personnel, including ensuring that all safety procedures relevant to the research projects are applied, including the safe handling of hazardous chemicals and radioisotopes. Ensures that the laboratory adheres to quality control requirements for laboratory procedures, and prepares laboratory for regular animal and safety inspections.
• Prepares written instructions to guide others in the performance of standard laboratory procedures. Provides written directions, advice, and consultation in areas of expertise to others both within and outside the laboratory.
• Work products and documents related to handling, training of rhesus macaque monkeys and marmoset monkeys; acclimatizing animals to the mock-magnet training environment; preparing for, participating in, and cleaning up following aseptic surgery. - Daily
• Work products and documents related to constructing and sterilizing small elements used in electrophysiology recordings. - Daily
• Work products and documents related to computer generated work including performing daily and/or computer back-ups; analyzing and evaluating preliminary behavioral data; reporting findings. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to assisting SCNI’s research with marmosets, rats and macaques; catch the animal from the cage, acclimate the animal to the experimental setup, restrain the animal, give injections; assist with anesthesia in marmosets and rats; prepare implants and implant head restraints; check implants of animals and suggest/help cleaning of the implant if necessary; record chambers and electrode arrays; analyze and evaluate preliminary behavioral data from monkey experiments and report findings; sterilize and clean surgical tools; participate in, prepare for and clean up following aseptic surgery; construct and sterilize small elements used in electrophysiology recordings such as electrode arrays, guide tubes, and cannulae. - Daily
• Clean Equipment - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to assisting incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; Assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to performing basic level operation of the MR scanner for both structural and functional imaging; maintain the laboratory 3D printer; coordinate with machine shops and/or assist staff with coordinating with outside companies for special 3D printing; prepare printing and post-print processing of 3D models; coordinate lab/machine shop interactions, scheduling meetings when needed. - Daily
• Work products and documents related to monitoring health of all animals, including rodents and nonhuman primates, and coordinate their assignment to research projects in the laboratory; care for animals. - Daily Inspect Equipment - Ad-Hoc
• Meet with lab members to present updates - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to working with lab heads on editing and submission of animal study proposals; assist incoming laboratory members with initial administrative requirements; advise incoming laboratory members in procedures as appropriate; assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings; coordinate presenter schedule. - Daily
• Work products and documents related to coordinating all training for monkeys that are not yet enrolled in a project under an SCNI investigator; handle and train large (6-15 kg) rhesus macaque monkeys; bring the animal from the cage into a special chair, safely restrain the animal; teach the animal to respond to a variety of different visual stimuli using operant conditioning; acclimatize animals to the mock-magnet training environment so that the animals grow accustomed to experiencing an enclosed space with loud noises. - Daily
• Work products and documents related to Fostering smooth and positive interactions with the veterinary and animal care facility; serve as the laboratory’s principal interface with the vets and husbandry staff, often working directly with them for shared goals; Support histological procedures, sectioning tissue, preparing reagents, maintain histology laboratory; Assist staff with ordering and assembly of equipment; assist staff to organize and document all vendors and purchases to facilitate future orders; coordinate inventory throughout the lab, replenish supplies in a timely manner; book meeting room for laboratory meetings. - Daily

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences and seven years experience OR
  • Ph.D. in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline OR
  • Three (3) years of specialized experience plus a Master’s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D. OR
  • Five (5) years of specialized experience plus a Bachelor's degree is equivalent to a Ph.D.
• Three or more years of experience working with animals non-human primates in a research environment.
• A minimum of one year experience analyzing experimental data.
• Expertise in programming in Matlab, Java, or C.
• Experience with aseptic surgery.
• Sufficient in stature and strength to be able to control a 15kg animal.
• Demonstrates experience performing surgical procedures with non-human primates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.