Team Leader, Behavior

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.

• 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• Assist with behavioral interventions for animals exhibiting abnormal, aggressive, withdrawn, stereotypic, or other concerning behaviors.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.

• 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…