Lincoln Park Zoo is offering a scientific research position in Wildlife
Disease Ecology as part of the Davee Center for Epidemiology and
Endocrinology and the Urban Wildlife Institute. The primary focus is on
applied research that investigates disease ecology and the impact of disease
on wildlife conservation. Tasks include participating in all aspects of the
scientific method including designing studies, preparing protocols,
collecting data and samples, analyzing data, writing grants, writing
manuscripts for publication and preparing oral or poster presentations for
staff and scientific conferences.
This position will support our current national and international wildlife
disease research projects and design and implement new wildlife disease
research projects at the local, national and international level. Research
also will complement our zoological surveillance program and collaborate
with the Davee Center Endocrinologist and Epidemiologist, the Urban Wildlife
Institute, and other centers within the Conservation and Science Department
at Lincoln Park Zoo.
This position is for 2 years, subject to extension after review, and will be
filled as soon as possible. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Write and manage grants and other funding sources;
Develop, coordinate and manage new wildlife disease projects in the field
and within the zoo;
Participate in field research and supervise staff in the field to complete
projects
Provide expertise in wildlife disease ecology, conservation biology and
statistical study design to
support existing Lincoln Park Zoo and Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) disease surveillance and monitoring programs, and other AZA based
projects, in conjunction with all partners;
Disseminate results at zoological and scientific professional conferences
and in lay and peer-reviewed literature as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
International and domestic travel for conferences and field projects;
Maintain links with Davee Center partners including other AZA
institutions, university research departments, governmental agencies and
nongovernmental organizations where appropriate;
Maintain links with Lincoln Park Zoo partners including universities,
government agencies, landowners, and permitting bodies where appropriate
Advise graduate students, and research interns when appropriate;
Attend Lincoln Park Zoo, Davee Center, and/or UWI foundation-related
activities as necessary;
Perform other duties as assigned by the directors of the Davee Center and
the Urban Wildlife Institute.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Successful candidates must have a strong background in experimental design
and statistical analyses, and must have demonstrated ability to conduct and
communicate the results of research and applied programs in disease ecology;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of ecology, epidemiology and
endocrinology for collaborative purposes (active research in these
disciplines is preferred);
Possess experience with field work including handling of live animals and
sampling for disease analysis;
Possess grant writing and management skills
Experience with GIS and modeling is desirable;
Experience in developing ecological models to address questions about
disease, species conservation and management is required.
Possess expertise in the specific areas covered in essential job functions;
Possess strong interpersonal, computer, organizational (project
management) and communication skills (written and spoken);
Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation through management of
wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the
departments team approach to conservation research projects;
Candidates with experience with bird species are desirable.
Experience managing grant budgets and securing external funding is preferred.
Experience supervising staff is preferred.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
PhD in ecology, epidemiology, statistics or a related discipline is
required. A medical degree (MD/DVM) plus MS (MPh) and/or field research
experience may be considered.
Some Post-doctoral and field research experience is preferred,
particularly experience handling wild animals for sample collection.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Training in wildlife disease ecological study design with an emphasis in
surveillance;
Experience participating in and/or leading large collaborative
projects/workshops; and
Broad training in statistical study design and analysis.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work up to 16 weekends per year.
Send resume, copies of college transcripts and letter of interest to:
Human Resources Department
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Direct specific questions about the position to Dr. Rachel Santymire
([email protected]) or Dr. Seth Magle ([email protected]).
