Research Scientist, Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology

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 lpzoo.org.

Join a passionate, innovative team and make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation! The Zoo’s Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology is driving change through applied research aimed at improving the management and conservation of endangered and threatened species around the world. Our work spans both wild (in situ) populations and captive (ex situ) efforts in zoos, aquariums, and conservation breeding centers, ensuring a holistic approach to species preservation across a wide variety of taxa.

As a Research Scientist in the Alexander Center, you'll have the opportunity to lead your own projects aligned with the Center’s priorities and collaborate with others on exciting initiatives. You’ll work with the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group and become certified in conducting Population Viability Analyses (PVA). You’ll lead partnerships with external conservation organizations to build high-impact research collaborations. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to support analysis and publication on a variety of projects with multiple zoo science centers, including the AZA Population Management Center (PMC), a team responsible for the management of ex situ populations, and scientists in our Tanzania Conservation Research Program. These projects include diving into our rich, long-term datasets such as a 24-year demographic study on elephants in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, a long-term dataset on lions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, and a 25-year dataset on zoo species management.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, coordinate and manage research that furthers our understanding of population ecology, management and conservation of wildlife populations.
• Conduct population viability analyses to assist conservation managers with decision-making about animal populations in the wild, in zoos/aquariums or that span both (e.g. populations used for reintroduction)
• Provide biostatistics and publication support for analysis of ecological datasets working with other scientists in the Alexander Center and PMC
• Work collaboratively with other scientists in the conservation community, including the IUCN’s Conservation Planning Specialist Group, field scientists in NGOs or government agencies, and scientists based in zoos and aquariums
• Share results of work in peer-reviewed publications, technical reports to partners/collaborators, popular articles, and presentation at professional meetings

• Communicate about research to varied zoo and scientific audiences, including donors, visitors, scientific conference attendees, and zoo program participants of all ages

• Write and manage grants to support projects
• Supervise interns or grant-funded project staff
• Professionally represent the Alexander Center and the Zoo externally to collaborators, organizations, and individuals including local, national, and international conservation groups, zoological associations, and the academic community
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in ecology, conservation biology, or a related discipline, preferably with direct experience in population demography and/or genetics.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:                       

• Experience developing models to address questions about ecology or species conservation and management. Preference given to candidates with experience developing models for population viability using matrix, individual based, integrated population, or integral projection models using R, another programming language, or available population viability analysis tools (Vortex, RAMAS, etc.)
• Strong biostatistical skillset, including experience analyzing population data for animal or plant populations. Preference given to candidates with expertise in mark recapture, survival, occupancy, animal movement, and/or generalized linear modeling
• One or more years’ experience in research in which results are being applied to conservation or management questions
• Experience managing complex projects from concept to completion
• Proficiency with programming, ideally in R; experience handling computationally complex tasks
• Experience working with large datasets
• Strong record of publications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently
• Ability to interact well with a range of collaborators including other scientists, administrators, donors, educators, visitors and external conservation managers and partners. Ability to work with different cultures and perspectives
• Experience developing grant proposals, obtaining grant awards, and managing grant budgets
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
• Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, and willingness to participate in the department’s team approach to collaborative conservation research projects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Ability to travel to conferences and field sites (national and international) on behalf of the zoo
• Ability to work at computer for long periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds regularly
• Ability to publicly address audiences of varying sizes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:          

• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as required.
• Available to work in a hybrid setting, with an expectation of three days a week at the zoo’s Chicago campus

OUR PROMISE

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.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full-time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
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This position starts October 1^st or after, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALARY: $65,000-$70,000