Research Assistant ( Project ChimpCARE)

Lincoln Park Zoo

Research Assistant ( Project ChimpCARE)

Chicago, IL

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

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

We seek a motivated and qualified candidate to conduct research related to the ChimpCARE Tool and provide support to zoos and sanctuaries using the tool.

The ChimpCARE Tool is a scientifically informed resource designed to enhance chimpanzee care and welfare in zoos and sanctuaries.

The candidate should have a strong interest in chimpanzee behavior and welfare, and some experience in the field of animal behavior and / or animal welfare.

Duties will include supporting ChimpCARE Tool users through webinars, virtual office hours and providing in-person assistance via site visits to zoos and sanctuaries in the United States in collaboration with supervisors.

The successful candidate will also conduct regular literature searches, propose and organize updates to the tool content and related resources.

The successful candidate will work closely with Lincoln Park Zoo’s Animal Welfare Science Program, and regularly interface with staff from a variety of other organizations including zoos, sanctuaries, universities, and animal protection organizations, and accrediting or membership organizations.

It may be possible for the Research Assistant to attend scientific conferences to present findings in collaboration with the supervisors.

The candidate will also perform other duties as assigned that support the research activities of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, be comfortable with scientific writing, reading scientific literature, and conducting literature searches.

The candidate must be able to work cooperatively with others and have a professional attitude.

This is a full-time position with an ideal start date of October 1, 2024, based at the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Review of applications will begin August 1, 2024. This is a two-year position.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, anthropology, zoology, biology, animal behavior or related field is required. Also required is experience in the behavioral study of animals (preferably chimpanzees) and experience with data entry and data organization.

The position will require periodic travel.

REQUIREMENTS :

Available to work a 35-hour work week, including some weekends and holidays. Available to work remotely for short periods while travelling periodically (3-10 days).

Ability to work in an open office environment and traverse zoo and sanctuary grounds.

Proof of COVID 19 vaccine

Annual negative TB test

SALARY

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

Salary

$ hr / -$43,500 / annually