Post Doctoral Fellow Ex/In Situ Louisiana Pinesnake Conservation

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly qualified individual for a 2-year Research Fellowship for a collaborative project to assist in the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake.

In 2010, the Memphis Zoo joined forces with the Fish & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to release zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes onto restored habitat.

The USFWS has provided funding to implement two Recovery Plan Actions : refine and implement technologies for propagating the Louisiana pinesnake in captivity, and to assist with efforts to transmit genetic material between wild and captive populations to increase the genetic variability of the captive population, which is based on relatively few founders.

The purpose of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its top-tier wildlife conservation priorities.

The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships within the current framework of funded USFWS Recovery Grant Proposal objectives that include activities in physiology, molecular, disease, and field ecology research techniques to foster and improve Louisiana pinesnake population recovery in the wild.

In collaboration, with the Senior Conservation Scientist, the Research Fellow will coordinate and collaborate with partners at LPS breeding facilities at 4 zoological institutions, Threatened-Endangered Species Research Team (TES), US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and the Collaborative Conservation Genomics Lab (CCGL) at the University of Illinois, to develop radio telemetry, behavior, and physiology monitoring research to understand zoo-bred reintroduced snake movement patterns, habitat use, acclimation and survival.

The Fellow will also support ongoing disease monitoring and molecular testing of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) and Cryptosporidium that threaten snake health;

genetic research developing genomic lineage data of the captive assurance colony and wild populations; and reproductive research using assisted reproductive technologies to infuse wild genetics into the captive population.

The zoo population of pinesnakes, held by four facilities including the Memphis Zoo, will be used to develop and test new techniques, which will then be applied in the field.

The technologies must be effective and practical in the field, and this may require the development and testing of novel methodologies.

This position includes a research budget, travel to field sites partner institutions, conferences, and numerous professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to :

Develop, conduct, and supervise projects that make a clear, positive, and measurable impact on the target conservation issues.

Effectively communicate conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.

Successfully pursue networking opportunities and collaborations with universities and partnering Institutions.

Secure external funding to augment internal research funds.

Engage in media, development, and public speaking opportunities.

Mentor, nurture, and develop research capacity in students, interns, and technicians.

Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

Perform various duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements :

PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field. Master’s level candidates with appropriate research experience will also be considered for this position.

Experience designing and coordinating research projects.

Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications :

Expertise in radio telemetry, accelerometers and data analysis techniques.

Experience in one or more of the following : Expertise in molecular techniques (qPCR), genetics, assisted reproductive technologies cryobiology, or endocrinology.

Prior experience in field and laboratory research.

Animal handling experience.

Strong record of student mentorships.

Competencies :

Proficient in MS Office and record keeping software & systems

Records and reports creation and management

Problem Solving / Analysis

Stress Management / Composure

Flexibility

Teamwork Orientation

Other Requirements :

Valid driver's license.

Proof of current automobile insurance.

Clear driving record.

Clear background check.

Clear drug screening.

Clear TB screening.

Salary : Benefits :

Benefits :

Medical, dental, vision.

FSA, HSA.

Short and Long Term Disability.

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D.

401K

Starting Date :

Negotiable, but latest is Sept 1, 2024. Closing date for applications is Aug 1, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :

This is a full-time salary position that works up to 40 hrs / week and occasionally requires weekend and holiday work. Frequent trips to field sites in Louisiana can be expected.

Work Environment : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and / or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibrations.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Memphis Zoo grounds.

Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls;

and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibility : Students, interns, and staff technicians may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.

Mentorship is an important part of this position and should be expected. This may include supervision on zoo grounds or in the field.

Reporting Structure : Report to and work closely with Senior Conservation Scientist : Beth Roberts

Other Duties : Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Perks

Medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, short and long term disability, 401K

Salary

50,000 - 53,000