Research Assistant

Lincoln Park Zoological Society•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes is located within the Regenstein Center for African Apes, a world-class facility that features dynamic habitats for chimpanzees and gorillas. The center’s mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research that advances the knowledge of ape behavior and biology, improve the care and management of apes in human care, and conserve and protect wild chimpanzee and gorilla populations. This is a 2-year position with the possibility for renewal or extension based on continued funding and satisfactory job performance. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, anthropology, zoology or related field
Observational data collection experience with primates
Experience conducting noninvasive cognitive or behavioral research with primates in human care
Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint
Ability to organize and analyze data using software such as MS Excel and R
Strong organization and communication skills (written and spoken)
Ability to work well in a team, in shared office spaces, as well as independently
Interest and ability to live within the greater Chicagoland community

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, psychology, primatology, anthropology, zoology or related field
Experience running computer-based (e.g., touchscreen) research with primates in human care
Experience programming customized computer applications and graphical user interfaces (GUIs)

Responsibilities

Conduct daily touchscreen sessions with zoo-housed chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas, both in view of zoo guests and in off exhibit animal care spaces
Assist with educational programs interpreting research methods and findings to zoo guests and donors
Liaise with members of the Zoo’s Animal Care, Commissary, and Learning Department staff to schedule and run touchscreen sessions and to share research updates
Maintain a database of data collected during research sessions
Assist with data analysis and interpretation for dissemination of research findings at conferences and via published peer-reviewed articles
Present research at national and international academic conferences
Assist with interpreting research to school groups, zoo guests, and donors
Assist with supervision and training of Center interns as required
The ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Safely navigate and work within off-exhibit animal care spaces
Performs other research and administrative duties as assigned

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life
disability coverages
403(b) savings plan with an institutional match
Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!