The McCowan Lab, at the California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis is seeking a postdoctoral scholar. We are seeking a highly motivated, self-starter staff-scientist/postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in primate behavioral research as well as experience analyzing biomarkers of stress. This NIH-funded multidisciplinary project examines the relationship between social network structure and emergent health outcomes in large groups of socially housed non-human primates. The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in all aspects of the research process including study design, data collection, data analysis, and publication of results. Specifically, the position involves the collection and analysis of behavioral data. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for helping with the collection, and analysis of health-related data and biomarkers of stress including the collection, processing, and analysis of hair, fecal, and blood samples.
Academic Qualifications:
-PhD in psychology, animal behavior, anthropology, or a related discipline. Experience working with non-human primates or extensive experience in animal social behavior observations. -Academic research experience in applying innovative scientific techniques, methods, concepts, principles, and considerable experience collecting behavioral data in non-human primates housed in large social groups. -Experience analyzing physiological indicators of health as well as experience evaluating the many biomarkers of stress. -Experience programming in R. -Experience working with macaques, ranging from infants weighing < 1 pound to adults weighing >30 pounds, safely and in a manner that promotes animal welfare.
-Ability to keep accurate records, write laboratory analyses and summarize data. Knowledge of safety procedures within the laboratory and relevant necessary documentation. -Ability to clearly understand and communicate project progress and testing results, and technical data with colleagues and collaborators. Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively in person or by telephone with all levels of academic, administrative, and staff personnel. -Ability to work under a deadline. Ability to work independently, autonomously and be self-driven. Ability to exercise good judgment regarding safety around animals. -Willingness to work in a BioSafety Level (BSL 1, 2 or 3) facility where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with HIV, SIV or Herpes B virus; possible contact with infant macaques during surrogate testing; TB test is required prior to employment; measles vaccination or proof of positive titer.