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 felids, primates, or elephants. 

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.

We seek a passionate conservation biologist with the skills, experience, and desire to advance one of these programs by combining ex situ and in situ research projects. 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. 

Essential Dates:

• This is a 3-year appointment.
• Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (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.

Competencies:

• Oral and written communication
• Strategic planning
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Flexibility

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, Dr. Sinlan Poo.