The Memphis Zoo Conservation and Research Department is seeking a highly qualified individual for a 2-year Research Fellowship for a collaborative project to assist in the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake. In 2010, the Memphis Zoo joined forces with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to release zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes onto restored habitat. The USFWS has provided funding to implement Recovery Plan Actions: to refine and implement technologies for propagating the Louisiana pinesnake in captivity, infuse wild genetics into captive population, and develop additional recovery population monitoring efforts.
The purpose of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its top-tier wildlife conservation priorities. The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships within the current framework of funded USFWS Recovery Grant Proposal objectives— that include activities in physiology, molecular, disease, and field ecology research techniques to foster and improve Louisiana pinesnake population recovery in the wild.
In collaboration, with the Senior Conservation Scientist, the Research Fellow will coordinate and collaborate with partners at LPS breeding facilities at 4 zoological institutions, Threatened-Endangered Species Research Team (TES), US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and the Collaborative Conservation Genomics Lab (CCGL) at the University of Illinois, to develop radio telemetry, behavior, and physiology monitoring research to understand zoo-bred reintroduced snake movement patterns, habitat use, acclimation and survival. The Fellow will also support ongoing disease monitoring and molecular testing of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) and Cryptosporidium spp. that threaten snake health; genetic research developing genomic lineage data of the captive assurance colony and wild populations; and reproductive research using assisted reproductive technologies to infuse wild genetics into the captive population. The zoo population of pinesnakes, held by four facilities including the Memphis Zoo, may be used to research and develop new techniques for field use. This position includes a research budget, travel to field sites partner institutions, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
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.
8) Perform various duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
● PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, ecology, ecophysiology, animal science, or related field. Master’s level candidates with appropriate research experience will be considered.
● Experience designing and coordinating field research projects.
● Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills.
● Proficiency in R statistical and ArcGIS software or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Expertise in designing and implementing wildlife movement and ecology research
● Expertise in radio telemetry, accelerometers and associated data analysis techniques
● Experience in one or more of the following: Expertise in molecular techniques (qPCR), genetics, assisted reproductive technologies cryobiology, or endocrinology
● Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
● Animal handling experience.
● Strong record of student mentorships.
Salary:
$50-53,000/year for 2-years, with eligibility for benefits after 90 days.
Starting Date:
Immediate start, negotiable. Closing date for applications is Aug 15, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs/week and occasionally requires weekend and holiday work. Frequent trips to field sites in Louisiana can be expected.
Supervisory Responsibility: Students, interns, and staff technicians may be the supervisory responsibility of this position. Mentorship is an important part of this position and should be expected. This may include supervision on zoo grounds or in the field.
Reporting Structure: Report to and work closely with Senior Conservation Scientist: Beth Roberts broberts@memphiszoo.org
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.
Application Requirements:All materials should be combined into a single PDF with the file name “LPS Postdoc_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” through online Job application portal at https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers
Application materials should include
· A cover letter,
· A statement of research interests,
· Curriculum Vitae
· Names and contacts of three people who can provide letters of recommendation at the time of application submission.
EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, 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 the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
Memphis Zoo is a drug free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
Careers link at Memphis Zoo:
