Post-Doctoral Scientist - CREW

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

7d • $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking to hire a Post-Doctoral Scientist to join our team. This is a two-year, full-time, grant-funded position, partially supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grants program and offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the interface of –omics and wildlife biology.
This role provides an exceptional, immersive training opportunity for a highly motivated early-career scientist eager to translate cutting-edge –omics technologies into practical tools for wildlife monitoring and conservation. The Post-Doctoral Scientist will play a central role in advancing an IMLS-funded project supporting CREW’s Polar Bear Signature Project, with an emphasis on developing and validating molecular approaches that can be deployed to better understand and conserve bears (Ursidae). Rather than discovery alone, this work is intentionally geared toward advancing understanding of reproductive processes while identifying and rigorously validating physiological biomarkers that can be translated into reliable, scalable tools, such as biomarker-based assays and monitoring techniques, to improve conservation and management decision-making for both zoo-managed and wild bears. By linking controlled studies in zoo-managed populations with applications relevant to free-ranging bears, the research generated through this position will directly inform strategies for monitoring, managing, and conserving bear populations both in situ and ex situ.

Requirements

• Candidates should have a Ph.D. in biological sciences or a related field; exceptionally strong candidates with a M.S. and substantial proteomics or bioinformatics may also be considered
• Demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics, with emphasis on proteomics, lipidomics, and/or sequencing-based datasets; experience working with complex or non-model organisms is highly valued
• Background or coursework in mammalian reproductive physiology
• Proficiency with statistical and data analysis software (e.g., R/RStudio)
• A peer-reviewed publication record demonstrating the ability to conduct research, along with motivation to complete and publish research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences including scientists, animal care staff, students, volunteers, donors, collaborators, and the general public
• Willingness to travel up to six times per year for research procedures and conferences, and flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend events
• Must be a U.S. citizen; we cannot support international visas at this time
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Prior research experience with wildlife or zoo-managed species is desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis and interpretation of proteomics datasets, particularly those derived from extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• Validate and optimize serum-based multiplex assays for reproductive and wellness biomarkers.
• Fecal hormone analyses via ELISAs
• Gamete collection, cryopreservation, and biobanking
• Evaluation of other non- and minimally invasive monitoring techniques
• Mentor and supervise a B.S.- or M.S.-level Scholar
• Participate in CREW fund-raising events
• Perform scientific demonstrations for the public at special events
• Speak with visitors/students about their work
• Give tours of the CREW facility.

Benefits

• affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• flexible spending accounts
• generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave)
• company-paid disability & life insurance
• park discounts and free passes

What This Job Offers

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