Research Technician - Behavior Science

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people.  Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

Summary: The Research Technician supports behavior, palatability, and novel research trials involving cats and dogs. This role is responsible for executing study protocols, collecting and coding behavioral and novel data, monitoring animal participation and health, analyzing trial results and presenting to the internal team. The Research Technician collaborates with Trial Execution Technicians and supports animal husbandry activities as workload allows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute behavioral, palatability, and novel research trials in accordance with approved protocols.
• Conduct trial activities, including feeding, weighing animal rations, and operating commercial dishwashers.
• Operate specialized equipment to evaluate feeding enjoyment and preference in dogs and cats.
• Collect, code, and analyze behavior trial data using The Observer, LIMS, and Excel.
• Summarize, interpret, and report novel and behavior trial data to project leads or scientists.
• Monitor animals’ health, behavior, and participation across studies; identify and communicate concerns and recommended countermeasures.
• Support animal welfare through adherence to IACUC approved protocols.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of methods, metrics, and research practices, including IACUC protocol development and revisions.
• Assist Trial Execution Technicians and perform animal husbandry duties as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will not have direct reports.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior, Animal Science, Biology or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Demonstrated interest in animal behavior, welfare, or applied animal research.
  • Experience with the proper treatment and handling of cats and dogs in a research setting.
  • Experience maintaining a functional workspace, including the upkeep of instrumentation, equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Preferred:
  • Experience conducting applied scientific research based on a hypothesis.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of experimental design and hypothesis testing using the scientific method.
• Understanding of behavioral principles, practices, and procedures for research studies.
• Knowledge of safety practices in food and animal research laboratory environments, and the ability to follow established safety protocols.
• Proficiency in Noldus/The Observer software, including acquisition, coding, and storage of video data.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze electronic data with accuracy and reliability.
• Demonstrated skills in descriptive data analyses, including routine difference and equivalence testing and creation of publication- or presentation-quality graphs.
• Strong time management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for summarizing and reporting research results.
• Ability to identify improvement opportunities in behavioral metrics and methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail in observing, assessing, and documenting animal behavior.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-based environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, protocols, and workflows.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.