Comparative Medicine Behavior and Training Specialist

Role Summary

Comparative Medicine Behavior and Training Specialist. Join Pfizer's Comparative Medicine team to support acclimation, habituation, and cooperative training/positive reinforcement programs for non-human primates and canines, including training colleagues and acting as a subject matter expert in behavior and handling.

Responsibilities

• Schedule hands-on training sessions with CM Operations and veterinary technicians for acclimation, habituation, cooperative training/positive reinforcement, and socialization.
• Complete training documentation for trainees in the electronic database.
• Create and edit shaping plans for handling; develop behavior management plans; perform temperament testing to aid socialization.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and Global Training to write/revise training modules and applicable programs.
• Contribute to refinement and continuous improvement of nonhuman primate handling practices.
• Serve as a role model for human safety when working with nonhuman primates.
• Lead by example to master animal handling SOPs, regulatory guidelines, and Pfizer policies.
• Demonstrate workplace standards and positive behaviors to colleagues.
• Interact with in vivo research contacts to meet study needs for acclimation/handling/positive reinforcement.
• Support operational excellence by compiling metrics for staffing and scheduling of NHP training and acclimation.
• Occasionally rotate weekends to support training progression and study readiness.
• Maintain animal health, husbandry, and study-related records in compliance with regulatory and departmental standards.

Qualifications

• Must Have: BS/BA with 3–5 years' experience or MA/MBA/MS with 0–4 years' experience.
• Expert in nonhuman primate handling and restraint, especially in cooperative methods and novel approaches (e.g., open/closed chair).
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, calendar management; experience with time tracking and document management systems (e.g., electronic medical records, SharePoint, Activity Tracker).
• Knowledge of other systems as required by job function.

Nice-to-Have

• AALAS certification preferred.
• Experience in a large, complex nonhuman primate facility with a focus on behavior and training.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to perform repetitive physical activities (pushing/pulling, lifting/moving supplies, reaching, stooping, bending).
• Ability to move 50-pound bags of feed and bedding; Functional Capacity Evaluation may be required.
• If working at a site with nonhuman primates, may require measles immunity proof or vaccination before hire.

Additional Requirements

• Essential Personnel: on-site presence during emergencies or suspensions of operations as required.