Behavioral Associate - Veterinary Services

Behavioral Associate

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development, and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales, or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we'll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

We are seeking an experienced Behavioral Associate for our Veterinary Services Team at our site located in Mattawan, MI. A Behavioral Associate is responsible for providing behavioral assessments, treatments, care, and well-being compliance, as determined by staff veterinarians, and assisting the veterinary staff in animal behavioral treatments of all laboratory animals in accordance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies, animal welfare standards and regulations by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Public Health Service - Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (PSH-OLAW). The individual in this role will mentor other technicians and assist with training when needed, as well as participate in, and lead, projects. The Behavioral Specialist supports the evaluation of a test article by performing assigned technical and administrative functions within the guidelines/requirements outlined in a protocol or Standard Operation Procedure (SOP).

Essential Functions (The fundamental duties & responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to, those listed):

• Perform animal well-being and behavioral assessments without supervision, consults on treatment plans, and administers treatments and enrichment, as directed by veterinary staff and in consultation with the Behavioral Specialist.
• Collect and documents animal physical and behavioral health data; performs final reviews and audits of departmental data and notifies appropriate management regarding any deviations.
• Management and veterinarians are satisfied that veterinary-related functions as stated in protocols and SOPs are executed effectively, accurately, and with care for wellbeing of the animals.
• Colleague and internal/external customers report that they are kept informed and updated about animals on behavioral consults and that communications are respectful and effective.
• Management observes that data is documented accurately and reviewed in a timely manner.
• Goals and objectives as defined in prior year's performance review, as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

The pay range for this position is $22-25/hr. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Qualifications for the Behavioral Associate position include, but are not limited to:

• HS/GED/Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years of previous relevant experience; contract research organization experience preferred.
• Previous experience working with animals in the behavioral field is required.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Computer skills, commensurate with Essential Functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts; sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert regulatory guidance.

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.