Conservation Medicine and Science - Post-Doctoral Veterinary Fellow

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

11d • $62,125 - $68,338

About The Position

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by developing, implementing and executing comprehensive wildlife health research and scientific programs, communication with collaborators, project coordination, data analyses and preparation of scientific papers and publications. The Conservation Medicine and Science program within the Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Science consists of multiple long-standing core Conservation Science programs, growth programs and future opportunities. The fellow will develop and promote existing and future research of conservation medicine initiatives, especially as they relate to local, national, and international priorities of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Position would build upon an existing collaboration with Punta San Juan Program. Funding is provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago in the form of standard salary and fringe-benefit costs. The program shall commence in 2026 (start date TBD), and continue in effect for a period of up to three (3) years, as this is a fixed term, grand-funded position.
This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 7 with an expected hiring range of $62,125.00 to $68,337.50 annually.

Requirements

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited institution or recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association required.
• Valid state veterinary license (if non-Illinois licensed, must obtain Illinois licenses within 6 months of hire).
• Experience working with live animals safely.
• A valid driver’s license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.
• English fluency – ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend at an advanced level is required
• Strong communication skills, verbal, written and listening skills; strong presentation/platform skills and experience essential.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; must be able to establish and maintain strong, positive relationships. Ability to work with opposing constituencies, operate as a facilitator, and a reconciler of interests.
• Must be proactive, persistent, and helpful.
• Must be self-motivated, resourceful, results-oriented, confident, and have strong planning and organizational skills.
• Strong character and ethics; must be fair, objective, assertive, and able to withstand criticism and overcome adversity and challenges.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Experience writing reports and scientific papers, grant preparation, and oral presentations.
• Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, including skills in database management, statistical packages, and graphing software.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working at a zoological or non-profit institution desirable.
• ACZM or ACVPM Residency training or board-certification.
• Graduate (MS or PhD, PhD preferred) degree.
• Successful track record of fundraising/generating revenue and program support through grants and other means.
• Relevant budgeting experience strongly preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plans and carries out research specific to the Punta San Juan project.
• Trains staff at collaborating institutions in project methodology.
• Assists the Director of Conservation Medicine and Science in related research projects as required.
• Analyzes compiled data.
• Prepares reports for scientific publication and presentation and for distribution to collaborators.
• Collates, tabulates and organizes all incoming data.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire.
• Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year.
• Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan.
• Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.
• Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
• Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested.
• Employer-Paid Income Protection: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.
• Voluntary Benefits: -Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance -Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance -Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree