Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•Escondido, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Scientist conducts independent and collaborative conservation research in a specialized area of biological or social science, and/or develops and conducts disease diagnostics and risk assessments for application to wildlife health. This position reports to an Associate Director or Director level or higher in Conservation Science Wildlife Health. The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a highly accomplished Quantitative Ecologist or Ecological Statistician who brings at least five years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience and a strong commitment to applied conservation science. This is a full-time Scientist position that will support our local and global conservation programs.

Requirements

At least five years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience
Strong commitment to applied conservation science.
Strong background in occupancy and capture–recapture modeling
Solid foundation in general statistical methods
Demonstrated proficiency implementing Bayesian analyses using JAGS, NIMBLE, and/or Stan.
Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.
Ph.D. Post Doctorate degree in a specialized area of biological or social science and/or a DVM or equivalent specialized training required.
Strong working knowledge of governmental regulations applicable to research, hazardous materials, and safety.
Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
Strong working knowledge of biological and life science.
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the analysis of movement data (e.g. Hidden Markov Models, Resource Selection Functions)
Spatial or GIS based modeling

Responsibilities

Development and oversight of research programs in a specialized field of study, i.e. genomics, ecology, epidemiology
Publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, popular literature, and other relevant media outlets.
Program-staff supervision, including supervision of non-employee team members and mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
Preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals and working with Philanthropy team on securing external funding.
Implementing and interpreting statistical models, working with large, complex ecological datasets, and collaborating closely with field biologists and conservation practitioners on study design, data analysis, and publications.
Translate rigorous quantitative analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform wildlife management and conservation decision making.
Communicate effectively with both scientific and non-technical audiences in a mission driven, interdisciplinary environment.