Scientist

The Scientist conducts independent and collaborative research in a specialized area of biological science, and/or develops and conducts disease diagnostics and risk assessments for application to wildlife health. This position reports to a Director level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop research programs in a specialized field of study.
• Determine study subjects, research parameters, methodology, and cost requirements.
• Plan, design, organize, and conduct independent and collaborative projects.
• Oversee and conduct data collection.
• Update research parameters, review draft summaries, document research methodology and results.
• Coordinate the collection of data for research, maintains inventories, and shares data with collaborative researchers and community partners
• Teach/train doctoral and post-doctoral students, volunteers, community members and others.
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, popular literature, and other relevant media outlets.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• We are seeking a broadly trained ecologist with strong quantitative and interdisciplinary skills to help lead SDZWA’s giant panda conservation program.
• Important areas of expertise to fulfill position requirements may include:
• translocation biology, population monitoring and adaptive management, resource ecology, disturbance ecology, sensory ecology, disease ecology, molecular ecology, ecosystem health, and biodiversity monitoring, as well as experience with strategic conservation planning and decision-making.
• Experience with conservation technologies is preferred, including the application of trail cameras, environmental sensors, and/or passive acoustic monitoring. Language proficiency in both English and Mandarin is strongly preferred. The position requires spending approximately half of each year in China, with travel to and from San Diego.
• The successful candidate will lead or support several projects designed to inform conservation management of giant pandas, including evaluating habitat, determining ecological population drivers, assessing, modeling, and mitigating climate change and other anthropogenic impacts, and contributing to the successful translocation of pandas from human care to protected areas for genetic rescue.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
• Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. Post Doctorate degree in a specialized area of biological science and/or a DVM or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• 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.

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: $94,800 to $104,820