Director, Applied Behavior Research

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Applied Behavior Research based in the United States.

Make a meaningful impact on animal welfare by leading innovative applied research that improves the lives of companion animals across the country. In this role, you will design and oversee research projects focused on animal behavior, welfare assessments, and evidence-based interventions for shelter-housed dogs and cats. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to transform complex scientific findings into practical strategies that advance animal care and welfare standards. Working across research, behavioral science, and operational teams, you will influence program priorities and support data-driven decision-making. You will also develop educational resources, mentor emerging researchers, and share insights with diverse audiences. This remote leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced research professional passionate about scientific excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and translating evidence into real-world improvements for animals.

Accountabilities

Research Strategy and Project Leadership: Design, develop, and lead applied animal behavior and welfare research projects addressing priority questions, including research involving companion animals rescued from cruelty situations and broader shelter populations.

Research Design and Execution: Identify impactful research opportunities, select appropriate methodologies, evaluate available data sources, and oversee studies using interdisciplinary approaches and rigorous scientific standards.

Project Management: Define research objectives, project scope, timelines, roles, and responsibilities while coordinating stakeholders, monitoring progress, adapting plans, and ensuring high-quality delivery with minimal supervision.

Data Analysis and Interpretation: Apply advanced statistical methods to analyze research findings, assess data quality, identify meaningful trends, and generate evidence-based recommendations that inform animal welfare practices.

Scientific Communication: Translate research findings into practical insights for shelter professionals, organizational leaders, researchers, and other audiences through scientific publications, reports, presentations, and data visualizations.

Knowledge Sharing and Education: Develop and deliver learning opportunities that strengthen applied behavior science knowledge across behavioral teams and broader professional audiences.

Subject Matter Expertise: Maintain current knowledge of animal behavior, behavioral biology, and animal welfare research, providing technical guidance and methodological expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teams.

Strategic Collaboration: Partner with internal stakeholders to identify research priorities, support program development, and integrate data-driven insights into organizational strategies and operational initiatives.

External Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, animal welfare organizations, and other relevant partners to advance collaborative research and knowledge exchange.

Research Program Development: Support internal and external research initiatives, including sponsored grant programs and research forums, while identifying opportunities to expand the impact of scientific work.

Team Guidance and Mentorship: Lead project teams and committees in a matrix environment, mentor interns and junior colleagues, and coordinate consultants or temporary staff when required.

Operational and Field Support: Participate in research studies, conferences, forensic behavior activities, and field operations, including travel as needed to support research objectives.

Requirements

Education: A PhD in an animal behavior-related discipline, such as applied ethology, behavioral ecology, or animal welfare science, is required.

Research Experience: At least six years of professional research experience following completion of a PhD, with a demonstrated record of conducting rigorous research and producing meaningful outcomes.

Scientific Publications: Proven experience writing peer-reviewed scientific publications and communicating research findings through reports and presentations.

Research Methodology: Strong knowledge of research methods, experimental design, and potential threats to internal and external validity, with the ability to apply discipline-specific approaches to new animal welfare questions.

Statistical Expertise: Advanced statistical analysis skills, including experience with generalized linear mixed models and the ability to interpret complex datasets.

Technical Skills: Proficiency with statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, or Stata, as well as Microsoft Excel, data summarization, and data visualization.

Applied Animal Behavior: Experience in companion animal behavior is preferred. Certification as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire, is expected.

Low-Stress Animal Handling: Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling certification is required or must be obtained within six months of hire.

Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrated leadership experience through managing projects, mentoring colleagues, coaching, or delivering training. The ability to influence teams without direct reporting authority is essential.

Science Communication: Ability to translate scientific findings into practical recommendations for nontechnical audiences, including shelter staff and executive leadership. Formal science communication experience is strongly preferred.

Project and Stakeholder Management: Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex projects and build effective relationships across disciplines.

Adaptability and Initiative: A self-directed, creative, and highly motivated approach, with the ability to learn quickly, manage competing priorities, and respond calmly to changing research or program requirements.

Remote Work Capabilities: Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining effective communication, confidentiality, and adherence to research protocols.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for eight or more hours on concrete floors and bend, crouch, kneel, and move freely when handling animals or carrying and lifting research equipment.

Schedule and Travel: Availability for a Monday-to-Friday schedule, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or holidays when program needs require it. Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time, sometimes on short notice.

Language: Professional proficiency in English.

Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to animal welfare, scientific integrity, collaborative work, continuous learning, and evidence-based improvements in animal care.

Benefits

Competitive Annual Salary: Compensation varies by geographic pay zone:

Zone 1: $105,000–$112,000 per year.

Zone 2: $116,000–$123,000 per year.

Zone 3: $128,000–$136,000 per year.

Comprehensive Healthcare: Affordable medical coverage, employer-paid dental insurance, and optional vision coverage.

Flexible Paid Time Off: Vacation, paid personal time, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and 10 paid company holidays.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan featuring a dollar-for-dollar employer match on contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation, plus an additional 4% employer contribution each year.

Professional Development: Access to training courses, on-the-job learning, coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with leading professionals in the field.

Career Growth: Opportunities for internal mobility, professional advancement, and participation in research and field initiatives.

Remote Work: The flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the United States, subject to role requirements.

Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to contribute to research that advances animal welfare practices and improves outcomes for companion animals nationwide.

Collaborative Culture: A supportive, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary expertise, and shared learning.

Application deadline: Applications are expected to remain open until 5 p.m. Eastern Time on November 10, 2026.