Recovery Ecology Post Doctoral Associate
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (State) | https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/jobs
Details
Application Deadline:
05/25/2025
Published:
04/25/2025
Starting Date:
after 5/25/2025
Hours per Week:
25 - 40
Salary:
$71,200 to $78,760 per year
Education Required:
Doctorate
Experience Required:
none
Location:
15600 San Pasqual Rd (Escondido, California)
Tags:
Faculty / Post-Doc Appointments
Description
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 Desert Tortoise Recovery Team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Post Doctoral Associate in quantitative ecology to conduct meta-analyses of existing datasets to explore the health, survival, and recruitment outcomes of Mojave desert tortoise headstarting and translocation efforts. Working closely with SDZWA’s Recovery Ecology and Disease Investigations teams and the USFWS Desert Tortoise Recovery Office and other agency partners, the Fellow will work to compile over 16 years of data on headstart programs and mitigation translocations following standardized protocols for surveys, health screening, and mitigation translocations. The Fellow will conduct meta-analyses of these recovery actions across many contexts and recovery units to identify approaches most effective in supporting desert tortoise health, survival, and population recruitment post release and gain important ecological insights to inform recovery more generally. Ideal candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Conservation and Management, or similar field of study, and strong analytical and quantitative skills that include population modeling. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaborative research and productivity, be familiar with endangered species conservation, and have a demonstrated ability to compile and analyze disparate data sources to parameterize population models. The Fellow will have opportunities to work with a multidisciplinary team within the department of Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, including veterinary pathologists, conservation geneticists, reproductive scientists, behavioral and population ecologists, as well as a diverse collaborative network of agency, academic, and non-profit partners dedicated to Mojave desert tortoise conservation and optimizing recovery efforts.
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: Escondido, CA
Position Type: Salary Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
Salary Range: $71,200 to $78,760
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 Desert Tortoise Recovery Team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Post Doctoral Associate in quantitative ecology to conduct meta-analyses of existing datasets to explore the health, survival, and recruitment outcomes of Mojave desert tortoise headstarting and translocation efforts. Working closely with SDZWA’s Recovery Ecology and Disease Investigations teams and the USFWS Desert Tortoise Recovery Office and other agency partners, the Fellow will work to compile over 16 years of data on headstart programs and mitigation translocations following standardized protocols for surveys, health screening, and mitigation translocations. The Fellow will conduct meta-analyses of these recovery actions across many contexts and recovery units to identify approaches most effective in supporting desert tortoise health, survival, and population recruitment post release and gain important ecological insights to inform recovery more generally. Ideal candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Conservation and Management, or similar field of study, and strong analytical and quantitative skills that include population modeling. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaborative research and productivity, be familiar with endangered species conservation, and have a demonstrated ability to compile and analyze disparate data sources to parameterize population models. The Fellow will have opportunities to work with a multidisciplinary team within the department of Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, including veterinary pathologists, conservation geneticists, reproductive scientists, behavioral and population ecologists, as well as a diverse collaborative network of agency, academic, and non-profit partners dedicated to Mojave desert tortoise conservation and optimizing recovery efforts.
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: Escondido, CA
Position Type: Salary Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
Salary Range: $71,200 to $78,760
Contact
Adriana Ramirez
contact via the web posting is preferred (see Details section)