Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
About The Position
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. 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.
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 with the analysis of movement data (e.g. Hidden Markov Models, Resource Selection Functions)
- Spatial or GIS based modeling
- Comfortable implementing and interpreting statistical models
- Working with large, complex ecological datasets
- Collaborating closely with field biologists and conservation practitioners on study design, data analysis, and publications
- Ability to translate rigorous quantitative analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform wildlife management and conservation decision making
- Ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and non-technical audiences in a mission driven, interdisciplinary environment
- Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
- Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.
- 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 are highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the 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.
- Responsible for program-staff supervision, including supervision of non-employee team members and mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
- Responsible for preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals and working with Philanthropy team on securing external funding.
Benefits
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
