Post-Doc in Ex/In Situ Conservation (Ornithology, Mammalogy, Wildlife Biology, Animal Behavior, or other)

The Memphis Zoo is seeking an independently motivated, ambitious and highly energetic individual for a 3-year post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in its Department of Conservation and Research. In particular, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience linking ex situ and in situ conservation and a taxonomic specialization in Mammalogy and Ornithology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this post-Doc is to broaden the Memphis Zoo's progress towards its top-tier wildlife conservation priorities. To augment its existing in situ conservation programs, the Memphis Zoo has committed to apply its resources on behalf of conservation issues impacting Sumatran tigers, African elephants, gorillas, and penguins. The Fellow's responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships or develop new ones to advance the Zoo into one or more of four targets. We seek candidates with the background and skills that enable them to lead conservation programs for felids, primates, elephants, or penguins. The successful applicant will be a passionate conservation biologist with the skills, experience, and desire to help us launch one of these programs. Within that framework, the successful candidate may approach the challenge from a wide range of perspectives including but not limited to zoology, systematics, evolution, genetics, ecology, animal behavior, biophysics, microbiology, nutrition, or sociobiology.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

1) Develop, conduct, and supervise projects that make a clear, positive, and measurable impact on the target conservation issues.

2) Effectively communicate conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.

3) Successfully pursue networking opportunities and collaborations with universities and partnering Institutions.

4) Secure external funding to augment internal research funds.

5) Engage in media, development, and public speaking opportunities.

6) Mentor, nurture, and develop research capacity in students, interns, and technicians.

7) Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• 
  Ph.D. in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field.
• Experience designing and coordinating research projects.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
• Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent.

Preferred qualifications:

• 
  5+ years of experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with a diversity of groups including various departments within the zoo, university collaborators, state and federal agencies, and the public.
• Effective articulation of scientific discoveries and conservation issues to the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills required for strategic planning.
• Proven track record for developing inter-institutional research collaborations.
• Experience in domestic or international field research.
• Strong record of student mentorships.
• Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and practices relevant to multi-cultural conservation projects.

Starting Date

Preferred date Dec 1st, 2022, but start date is flexible.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Appointment is for three years with the possibility of extension. This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs per week and may require weekend and holiday work. A mixture of field work, lab work, and administration is to be expected.

Supervisory Responsibility

Students, interns, and staff technicians may be the supervisory responsibility of this position. This may include supervision on zoo grounds or in the field.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan Poo.

Application webpage:

See Memphis Zoo's career webpage.

Application Requirements:

Application materials should include a cover letter, a strong statement of research interest or (preferably) a research proposal that incorporates animals within Memphis Zoo's collection, and CV submitted online at www.memphiszoo.org. All files should be submitted as PDFs. Three letters of reference submitted directly to Sue Harris (Executive Assistant, Memphis Zoo) at sharris@memphiszoo.org are also required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

October 31, 2022. Reviews of applications will begin immediately. Memphis Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date should the position be filled.

Compensation

$44,000-$49,000 annually, plus benefits.

The Memphis Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let your hiring manager or HR know. Human resources can be contacted by emailing: HRteam@memphiszoo.org

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

The Memphis Zoo participates in e-verify and is an EOE/ad/vet employer.