Post Doctoral Fellow in Ex/In Situ Conservation Gorillas, Tigers, or Elephants (Full Time)

Post Doctoral Fellow

Summary:

The purpose of the Post-Doc 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 focused on advancing one of the Zoo’s three flagship conservation programs – gorillas, tigers, and elephants. 

Essential Dates:

• This is a 3-year appointment.
• Completed applications are due 04/01/2025 (see application requirements).
• Anticipated start date for position is 08/01/2025.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop, conduct, and supervise projects that make a clear, positive, and measurable impact on the target conservation issues.
• Effectively communicate conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
• Successfully pursue networking opportunities and collaborations with universities and partnering Institutions.
• Secure external funding to augment internal research funds.
• Engage in media, development, and public speaking opportunities.
• Mentor, nurture, and develop research capacity in students, interns, and technicians.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field. Master’s level candidates with appropriate research experience will also be considered for this position.
• Experience designing and coordinating research projects.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
• Strong record of applying to and securing grants.
• Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• 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 public.
• Proven track record for developing intra and inter-institutional research collaborations.
• Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that are at the intersection between workplace dynamics, education, scientific research, and multi-cultural conservation projects.
• Experience in domestic or international field research.
• Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
•  Animal handling experience.
• Strong record of student mentorships.

Competencies:

• Proficient in MS Office and record keeping software & systems
• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Strategic planning
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Stress Management/Composure
• Flexibility
• Teamwork Orientation

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: Reports to Curator of Research

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel and administration is to be expected.

This position is considered exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.  

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to field sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening. 
• Clear TB screening.
• Valid driver's license.
• Clear MVR screening.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

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.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter (1 page max)
• Strong statement of research interest or (preferably) a research proposal that incorporates animals within Memphis Zoo's collection (3 page max)
• CV
• All above files should be submitted in a single PDF with the file name “C6 Postdoc_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” through the online Job application portal

In addition to the above, please email 3 letters of reference to Sue Harris (sharris@memphiszoo.org). Please include your name, "post doc", and "letters of reference" in the subject line.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

How to Apply:  

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.