Post-Doc in Ex/In Situ Amphibian Conservation

The Memphis Zoo is seeking an independently motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 3-year Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience linking ex situ and in situ Conservation with specialization in Amphibian Ecology. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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. We are seeking candidates that have backgrounds and skills which enable them to lead conservation programs for amphibians, with the potential to develop projects in other subjects/taxa. We seek a passionate conservation biologist who is able to apply their expertise to expand upon the foundations of amphibian conservation and research at the Memphis Zoo (See Memphis Zoo website and list of recent publications). We seek a scientist with demonstrated research output, productivity, grantsmanship and significant promise of interdisciplinary research, local and regional collaborations, scholarship, and conservation practice. Within this framework, research focus could be in any area related to biodiversity conservation, including, but not limited to, ecology, evolution, animal behavior, biophysics, microbiology, ecophysiology, systematic, field biology, etc.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop, conduct, and supervise projects that make a clear, positive, and measurable impact on the target conservation issues in amphibians, specifically for the dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus) which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
• 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.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• D. in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2023.)
• 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 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 mentorship.
• 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.

Starting Date:

Preferred date Jan-Mar, 2024. Negotiable within limits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This appointment is for three years. This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs per week and may require weekend and holiday work. A mixture of fieldwork, lab work, and administration is to 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:

This postdoc will report to and work closely with the Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan Poo (spoo@memphiszoo.org).