Post Doctoral Fellow in Ex/In Situ Conservation focusing on Alligator Snapping Turtles (Full Time)

the Memphis Zoo • Memphis, TN

1d

About The Position

Memphis Zoo is seeking an independently motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 3-year Postdoctoral 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 who is able to lead a new Alligator Snapping Turtle conservation and research initiative. Memphis Zoo has a long history with Macrochelys, having displayed many large specimens through the decades, and Memphis Zoo researchers Dr. Steve Reichling and Dr. Sinlan (Sheila) Poo have initiated this new signature collaboration with Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee (Arkansas State University), in partnership with Wolf River Conservancy, USFWS, and TWRA. Post Doctoral Fellow Summary: The purpose of the Postdoc is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its wildlife conservation priorities. The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships focused on advancing the Zoo’s mission, with a specific focus on Alligator Snapping Turtles, a species native to the greater Memphis area and West Tennessee. 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. This work will include a significant field component, including surveying and monitoring existing wild populations in the area, and a captive component, through increasing the ex situ conservation capacity at the Memphis Zoo. The successful candidate may approach the challenge from a wide range of perspectives including, but not limited to, ecology, physiology, evolution, animal behavior, microbiology, or nutrition. Essential Dates: This is a 3-year appointment. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. Application reviews will begin after April 1, 2026. Anticipated start date for position is August 1, 2026.

Requirements

• PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field.
• Experience designing and coordinating research projects.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
• Strong record of applying to and securing grants.
• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Valid driver's license.
• Clear MVR screening.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• Experience in domestic or international field research.
• Proven track record for developing and cultivating intra- and inter-institutional research collaborations, including stakeholders from non-profits, government agencies, and academic intuitions.
• Effective articulation of scientific discoveries and conservation issues to the public.
• Strong record of student mentorship.
• Proficient in R statistical software or equivalent.
• Proficient in MS Office and recordkeeping software & systems.
• Oral and written communication.
• Critical thinking and analysis.
• Strategic planning.
• Records and reports creation and management.
• Problem solving.
• Stress management/composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork orientation.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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