Colony Services Unit Head

The successful applicant for this position will assist in the management of the various components of a nonhuman primate colony that consists of approximately 1600 individual animals of three species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Callithrix jacchus) that are housed in four separate buildings at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC). These components include the animal husbandry program, the colony management program, the research support program, environmental enhancement program, the facilities maintenance program, and the animal care personnel management program.
Under the direction of the WNPRC Attending Veterinarian and Associate Director of the Animal Services Division (ASD), the successful applicant will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the entire nonhuman primate husbandry program of the WNPRC. Working closely with their supervisor, the Colony Services Unit Head (CSUH) will administer a program of colony management that maintains the breeding colonies of the WNPRC and provides quality animals for the scientific projects of the Center’s investigators. In collaboration with veterinary and research support staff, the CSUH will provide support for the major research programs housed at the Center. Additionally, the CSUH will collaborate with the Behavioral Services Unit to ensure execution of the Center’s environmental enrichment plan. The CSUH will work closely with the WNPRC Facilities Manager and the Compliance Manager to ensure that the holding and support facilities are maintained within regulatory guidelines and to provide a safe environment for the animals and all personnel working directly with Center animals. Finally, the CSUH, in coordination with the five CSU Animal Care Managers, will assist in the performance evaluation process of all animal care personnel.

• 25% Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of one or multiple research programs or units according to established research objectives in alignment with strategic plans and initiatives
• 20% Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of trainings and workshops for internal and external audiences to disseminate research program developments and information
• 15% Plans, develops, and implements processes and protocols to support research aims
• 10% Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• 20% Serves as a unit liaison and subject matter expert among internal and external stakeholder groups, collaborates across disciplines and functional areas, provides program information, and promotes the accomplishments and developments of scholars and research initiatives
• 5% Monitors program budget(s) and approves unit expenditures
• 5% Develops policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the program

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree
BA/BS in biological sciences or related field strongly preferred.

For candidates with a relevant BA/BS degree, a minimum of four years’ demonstrated experience managing or assisting in the management of a large nonhuman primate (NHP) colony is required to qualify for consideration for this position. For candidates without a BA/BS degree, a minimum of eight years’ demonstrated experience managing a large NHP colony is required, as well as certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level.
The qualified candidate will also possess extensive experience performing animal husbandry and biomedical research support for a captive colony of nonhuman primates. Experience supervising, communicating with, and motivating a large staff of animal care technicians is a necessity. An ability to lead, make difficult decisions and implement them while developing a strong sense of teamwork is essential. Knowledge of biomedical and behavioral research, excellent computing skills, and a strong commitment to animals and their well-being are also required for this position. Detailed knowledge of research procedures and animal welfare regulations and solid administrative abilities are also expected.

Required
AALAS – American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Technician Certification
For candidates without a relevant BA/BS, Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) required.

Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)
Employees in these positions can expect to receive a generous benefit package, including paid time off, competitive insurances and savings accounts, and retirement benefits.

Applicant must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates, infectious diseases, and chemicals/medications in a medical research setting, and wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).
-Must be TB negative.
-Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
-Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication.
-This is considered an essential position and, as such, applicants must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position.
-Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the University and to protect the University from both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
-Must possess a valid driver’s license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles.
-A one-year period of evaluation will be required.
*Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
The WNPRC is one of seven federally supported National Primate Research Centers and the only one in the Midwest. WNPRC’s mission is to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease; generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems; facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide; and collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.
Based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), the WNPRC is committed to diversity both as an end in itself, but also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities through research.

Please click “Apply Now” to begin the application process. We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a CV/resume detailing your educational and professional background. Please keep in mind that applicants need to articulate all required qualifications in their cover letter and/or resume. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
Applicants will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Deb Jurmu
[email protected]
608-263-3504
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Program Manager (B)(RE087)

A34-OVCR/PRIMATE/PRIMATE

Academic Staff-Renewable

294865-AS