Plant Conservation Researcher II

The Researcher II develops programs for scientific research; conducts independent and collaborative research in a specialized area of biological science; and supervises assigned research/laboratory operations. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop scientific research programs in a specialized field of study.
• Plan, design, organize, supervise, and conduct independent and collaborative projects.
• Determine study subjects, research parameters and methodology, and cost requirements.
• Evaluate funding sources and obtains necessary funding.
• Oversee and conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results applied to conservation programs.
• Coordinate with animal care and veterinary staff regarding sample collection, disease trends, and reproductive status; provides samples to collaborative researchers.
• Establish research partnerships.
• Oversee assigned area(s) and supervises assigned staff.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• The ideal candidate is a Ph.D. level researcher in plant cryobiology with experience developing cryopreservation and micropropagation protocols for conservation genebanking of wild rare plants.
• The Researcher II will continue research on rare California oaks and expand the plant cryopreservation program to other rare plant taxa, especially orchids, cycad and palms, and train SDZWA staff and partner gardens through workshops in collaboration with other cryobiologists.
• The successful candidate will coordinate with field and horticulture staff within SDZWA and at collaborating gardens to collect samples for research or accessioning into our cryorepository for long-term conservation.
• Micropropagation experience with difficult taxa, especially oaks (Quercus), and developing somatic embryos highly desired. We are seeking a researcher with experience in grant reporting, authoring peer-reviewed publications, leading complex multi-year projects with collaborators, and dedicated to the challenge of conserving rare plants through biobanking.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Three years of laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care or field expertise in a specialized field of research required.
• Three years of experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in biological science or a related field or equivalent specialized training required.
• Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• 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

Salary

• Salary Range: $86,200 to $95,320