The Team Leader, Behavior provides day-to-day leadership and operational support to the Behavior team responsible for promoting the psychological well-being, appropriate socialization, and behavioral health of nonhuman primates (NHPs).
This position serves as a working lead and subject matter resource for Behavior Technicians, supporting daily work assignments, behavioral observations, socialization activities, training, documentation, and implementation of approved behavioral management plans.
The Team Leader works closely with the Behavior Manager, Operations, Veterinary Services, and Animal Care teams to ensure behavioral concerns are identified, communicated, documented, and addressed in accordance with established procedures, animal welfare standards, and regulatory requirements.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide daily directives and work assignments to Behavior Technicians.
- Coordinate team priorities based on animal needs, operational activities, behavioral concerns, and departmental workload.
- Serve as the first point of contact for routine questions and operational concerns within the Behavior team.
- Assist with onboarding, training, coaching, and development of new and existing team members.
- Monitor employee performance and provide timely feedback to the Behavior Manager.
- Reinforce expectations related to attendance, professionalism, teamwork, documentation, safety, and animal welfare.
- Escalate employee relations, performance, or conduct concerns to the Behavior Manager and Human Resources as appropriate.
- Promote effective communication and collaboration across Behavior, Operations, Veterinary Services, Enrichment, and Animal Care teams.
- Support implementation of the facility's behavioral management and psychological well-being programs.
- Conduct and/or oversee behavioral observations and assessments of NHPs.
- Identify changes in behavior, social compatibility, or psychological well-being and communicate concerns through established channels.
- Assist with implementation and monitoring of individual behavioral management plans.
- Support appropriate socialization, social introductions, pairings, and group-management activities in accordance with approved procedures.
- Assist with behavioral interventions for animals exhibiting abnormal, aggressive, withdrawn, stereotypic, or other concerning behaviors.
- Monitor the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and communicate progress or concerns to the Behavior Manager and Veterinary team.
- Support positive reinforcement training and other approved behavioral management techniques.
- Ensure behavioral observations, assessments, interventions, socialization activities, and other required information are documented accurately and timely.
- Review team documentation for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
- Assist with maintaining departmental records, trackers, schedules, and behavioral data.
- Support preparation for internal audits, client visits, IACUC activities, USDA inspections, and accreditation reviews.
- Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable SOPs, policies, protocols, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and other applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Immediately report animal welfare, safety, documentation, or compliance concerns through established reporting channels.
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field preferred.
- 3-4 years experience working with nonhuman primates or other laboratory animals strongly preferred.
- 3-4 years experience in animal behavior, enrichment, training, socialization, or behavioral observation preferred.
- Previous lead or demonstrated leadership experience preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Proficient with advanced skills using of Microsoft Excel.
- Working knowledge of business-related processes/procedures terminology and compliance.
- Analytical thinker with the ability to understand problems, determine root cause and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Effectively work with peers, leadership, and stakeholders in a productive collaborative environment.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Extended computer and display screen usage.
- Ability to read, interpret materials, and communicate effectively.
- Must be able to work with all NHP species.
- Must be able to work with PPE and utilize a respirator.
Critical Success Factors
- Customer Focus. Identifies, prioritizes and anticipates customer needs and delivers relevant, value-add, solutions to meet and exceed them.
- Results Driven. Internal drive toward action to efficiently, timely, and accurately achieve results. Sets high but achievable standards for self and others. Seeks opportunities to improve process and outcomes. Constantly reviews performance to identify areas to develop.
- Efficient. Takes responsibility for own time and effectiveness. Identifies what needs to be done and does it before being asked or before the situation requires it. Able to work things out without having to be shown too often. Seeks opportunities to contribute appropriately without direction.
- Collaboration. Actively supports and contributes to the success of the team. Actively encourages and practices collaboration and cooperation on the team. Shares information and supports other team members. Can get things done with and through others and set realistic objectives. Seeks opportunities to develop others.
- Relationship Builder. Develops, maintains, and strengthens strong partnerships with others internally and externally, cross functionally, in person and remotely.
*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person’s relevant experience and/or education level.
At Inotiv, our work helps advance the development of new medicines and therapies that can improve people's lives. As a leading global contract research organization (CRO), we partner with researchers to tackle complex scientific challenges, drive innovation, and help build a healthier, safer world. Bringing together scientists, researchers, technical experts, and business professionals, we provide the expertise and collaboration needed to move research forward. Our people make this work possible, and we value the knowledge, ideas, and contributions each person brings to the team. Whether you are starting your career or bringing years of experience, Inotiv offers opportunities to learn, grow, and play a meaningful role in advancing treatments for patients around the world.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!
Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.