Director, Applied Behavior Research

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Design and execute collaborative internal research projects focused on applied behavior and welfare concerning cruelty case populations, behavior interventions, and welfare assessments for shelter dogs and cats.

• Identify and prioritize research inquiries that have the potential to impact organizational goals and enhance animal welfare.

• Lead research initiatives with minimal oversight, defining project scopes, establishing roles, setting timelines, and coordinating with stakeholders.

• Execute components of research projects utilizing individual expertise and modify project scope or objectives as necessary.

• Recognize target audiences and support internal and external communication strategies for completed research.

• Take the lead or actively participate in ASPCA-sponsored research initiatives and the annual ASPCA Research Forum.

• Oversee consultants and temporary staff as required.

• Mentor interns and junior research associates.

• Present research findings through journal articles, reports, and presentations.

• Maintain and enhance expertise in animal welfare subjects and provide guidance to the organization.

• Translate specialized knowledge into insights that support ASPCA's strategic and programmatic efforts.

• Monitor developments in animal welfare research and disseminate findings to promote change.

• Establish partnerships with organizations, universities, and institutions in the fields of animal welfare and behavioral biology.

• Collaborate across ASPCA to prioritize impactful initiatives and incorporate data-driven insights into organizational strategy.

⛳️ Requirements

• A PhD in the animal behavior field, such as applied ethology, behavioral ecology, or animal welfare science is required.

• A minimum of 6 years of professional research experience following the PhD is mandatory.

• Experience in writing peer-reviewed scientific publications is essential.

• Leadership experience, including the management, mentorship, coaching, and/or training of others, is required.

• Experience in applied companion animal behavior is preferred.

• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or the ability to achieve certification within one year of hiring is necessary.

• Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling certification is required or must be obtained within 6 months of hiring.

• Capability to apply discipline-specific tools and knowledge to new animal welfare challenges.

• Ability to communicate research findings to applied audiences; formal science communication experience is strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in guiding teams without direct reporting authority.

• Knowledge of research methodologies, experimental designs, and potential threats to validity.

• Ability to identify and evaluate research data sources.

• Strong skills in statistical analysis, including generalized linear mixed models.

• Proficiency in R, Python, SPSS, Stata, and/or Excel.

• Competence in data summarization and visualization.

• Strong abilities in project oversight and management.

• Capacity to work independently in a remote office environment with minimal supervision.

• Commitment to adhering to protocols and maintaining confidentiality.

• Ability to stand for 8 or more hours on concrete surfaces and perform physical tasks such as bending, crouching, kneeling, moving freely, handling animals, and carrying/lifting research equipment.

• Proficiency in the English language.

• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time, occasionally with short notice.

🏝️ Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision insurance.

• Flexible time off policy encompassing vacation days, paid personal leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.

• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions up to 4% on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

• Additional 4% employer contribution to retirement plans.

• Opportunities for professional development, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and field-support options.