Primate Technician

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Primate Technician, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports the well-being of primates through daily feeding, cleaning, and health care. Your role will involve recording data such as body weight, medication given, food consumption, behavior, training sessions, and enrichment activities. You will also maintain the cleanliness and condition of animal enclosures and ensure sufficient stock and supplies for the proper performance of duties.

Be Bold.

The Primate Technician position at Duke Lemur Center is not just about routine tasks; it’s about making a difference in the lives of primates. You will assist in the coordination and execution of non-invasive research projects, including capturing and restraining primates, weighing them, obtaining specimens, and observing behavioral patterns. You will also play a crucial role in routine and emergency medical treatments, such as surgeries, physical exams, administration of fluids, medicines, and contraceptives, fecal collection, palpations, sexing and weighing of infants, and monitoring reproductive cycles.

What You’ll Do:

• Report and record signs of diseases and/or behavioral concerns through observation of physical condition and behavior.
• Administer special diets to ensure adequate vitamins and trace mineral elements, feed and water primates according to schedule.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal quarters and assigned areas.
• Transport animals, supplies, and materials; operate motor vehicles as required.
• Design and construct cages based on species-specific behavior, locomotor patterns, and social groupings; perform minor repairs on cages and equipment.
• Conduct regular animal training sessions and provide enrichment in accordance with the guidelines and expectations of the Duke Lemur Center animal training and enrichment program.
• Communicate in a professional manner with a variety of personalities to promote an open exchange of information and ideas, as well as teamwork.
• Provide constructive feedback to new co-workers throughout their training.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Choose Duke.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.69 to USD $28.28. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in biological science preferred.

Experience & Skill Requirement:   Work generally requires 6 months of experience in a laboratory, animal care, or similar setting to become familiar with the technical tasks associated with the feeding and health care of animals. College course work in biology, zoology, animal sciences, or a related field may be substituted for experience. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.