Behavior Scientist
Nestlé Purina, USA
This position is responsible for performing the necessary work
related to the Pet Behavior and Wellbeing research program under minimal
supervision.
Essential functions
- Conduct research aimed at improving our understanding of pet behavior, pet welfare and human-animal interactions.
- Develop and implement testing methodologies to assess pet preference of litter products.
- Develop and implement methods to study pet elimination behaviors.
- Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies for assessing pet emotional wellbeing.
- Investigate, develop and implement tools to collect and analyze pet behavior and physiological data.
- In collaboration with other business departments, develop animal behavior-based products and services.
- Function as a project team leader as assigned. Required activities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing project leadership for the projects assigned.
- Adherence to Company policy on protection of patent rights and intellectual property.
- Ensuring all appropriate documents and project records are filed in the Central Project Files whether paper or electronic.
- Prepare written reports/presentations for further review.
- Support internal and external business communications about pet behavior and welfare.
- Collaborate with internal and external groups with aligned research objectives.
- Communicate internally and externally on project development and research findings.
- Knowledge of, and compliance with, the Animal Welfare Act and all procedures and protocols in the Nestlé Purina PTC PetCare Manual.
- Conduct all activity in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and all required Company policies and procedures.
- Travel as necessary.
Job qualifications (Education, Experience, and Knowledge):
- PhD degree in the area of Animal Behavior required preferably combined with a Masters or Bachelor in the area of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Comparative Physiology, Psychology or other related disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience with research techniques, use of statistical analysis, and experimental design.
- Ability to work directly with cats and dogs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal interaction skills.
- Demonstrated project management skills with multiple projects/priorities.
- Good organizational skills.
- Proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
Specialized knowledge/skills preferred but not required
- Evidence of peer reviewed, published research.
- Experience in measuring emotional states in mammals.
- Knowledge of non-invasive behavioral research techniques.
- Knowledge of other languages besides English