Population Sustainability Post Doctoral Associate

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversee assigned research projects.
• Collect, process, and enters research data.
• Perform experiments and measurements.
• Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
• Establish and maintain databases.
• Document research methodology and results.
• Prepare progress reports.
• Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Post Doctoral Associate in quantitative ecology to assess key population dynamics questions across three species that can be identified to the level of the individual from photographic methods: African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata), and Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The Fellow will have access to a combined 20+ years of sorted camera trap data across the three programs and will be expected to lead analyses and publications on population density, population dynamics, and habitat associations. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Mathematical Biology, Wildlife Conservation and Management, or similar field of study, with very strong analytical and quantitative skills. Applicants should have a proven record of population modeling, including spatial capture-recapture models, ideally for closed and open populations, as well as multi-species occupancy models. Advanced knowledge of R and Bayesian modeling (e.g. JAGS or NIMBLE) is required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaborative research and productivity, be familiar with endangered species conservation, and have demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets to parameterize population models. The Fellow will have opportunities to design and implement field protocols for population models, including the use of cameras and DNA from passive collections, as well as advance new statistical approaches. In this effort, the Fellow will work with a multidisciplinary team within Conservation Science, including population and behavioral ecologists, conservation geneticists, and computer science engineers, as well as a diverse collaborative network of field teams in both Kenya and Peru.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Post Doctorate or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Specialization area preferred. (i.e. population biologist, demography, or genetics)
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a diverse environment.
• Knowledge of science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Three Year, Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $87,264.80