The Postdoctoral fellow will help design and conduct research on cooperatively managed zoo-based populations of endangered and threatened species. The Fellow will collaborate with a strong and dynamic existing team of scientists in the Zoo’s Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Population Management Center, and other scientists across the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and be based at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
The primary focus is on applied research that improves management of zoo populations utilizing the large-scale dataset in PMCTrack (www.pmctrack.org), a database that tracks management outcomes of AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs). PMCTrack incorporates recommendations for individual animals to move or breed, whether those recommendations occurred as requested before the next management plan for an SSP was issued, and reasons why recommendations did not occur. As of summer 2018, PMCTrack had incorporated more than 347,000 recommendations for individual animals to move and breed, which were sent to 688 zoos and aquariums across North America. This dataset spans 18 years of the formalized SSP management system. The Post-Doctoral Fellow in Population Biology is a full-time, 3 year position, subject to review after one year. The project is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and ideally the position would start January 2019. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Analyze PMCTrack data using both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to produce data-driven advice on how to improve SSP management. • Design a framework for automating and standardizing future analyses as the PMCTrack dataset continues to grow. This may include development of customized R scripts or other tools for future analyses and data management • Supervise a Research Assistant as s/he collects, manages, cleans, and analyzes data • Prepare research manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications • Present research at scientific and zoo association meetings • Participate in outreach via the zoo’s Learning programs • Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Demonstrated experience in population biology, and an interest in addressing applied management questions • Excellent analytical skills, with strong background in analyzing quantitative data, such as classification and regression trees and multivariate analyses; experience with qualitative data analysis (survey data) also desired • Evidence of strong scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex results to audiences of varying scientific backgrounds • Strong statistical skills; experience with statistical analysis in R (preferred) or other programming languages • Experience working with large datasets; experience in database management also desired • Strong computer skills. Proficient use of MS Office, as well as more specialized software (R); as PMCTrack is a SQL database, familiarity in working with SQL databases is also desired • Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work effectively with senior administration, staff, students, and the general public • Demonstrated abilities to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team toward common goals, and to coordinate efforts and collaborate with a variety of individuals • Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete a variety of assignments with attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy, and to maintain accurate and detailed records EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: PhD in ecology, population biology, conservation biology, or a related discipline is required. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Demonstrated experience speaking to the knowledge/skills/abilities described above. Experience supervising staff is preferred. Experience analyzing qualitative survey data is preferred. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Available to work all necessary hours, including some weekends and holidays. Ability to travel to conferences to represent the zoo. ABOUT LINCOLN PARK ZOO Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org. Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All. To apply, please go to www.lpzoo.org/careers
