Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction and award-winning educational institution.
The Post-Doctoral Fellow, Animal Welfare Research – Chimpanzee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a research project on the implementation of WelfareTrak on chimpanzee welfare including behavioral data collection and/or coding, assisting in related laboratory analyses, communication with collaborators, project coordination, data analyses and preparation of scientific papers and publications. You will be responsible for planning and carrying out research specific to the grant-funded project; collating, tabulating and organizing all incoming data; analyzing compiled data; and assisting in related laboratory analyses as required. Additionally, you will be responsible for training staff at collaborating institutions in project methodology; assisting the Senior Director of Animal Welfare in training research assistants, interns and volunteers in specific data collection and management techniques for assigned research; and preparing reports for scientific publication and presentation and for distribution to collaborators.
The requirements for this position include:
Ph.D. degree in biology, psychology, or related field required.
Two years of experience in field or zoo research is required.
Proven ability to train and supervise staff, preferably including students, volunteers, and/or interns.
Prior experience working with live animals safely.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Prior experience in writing reports and scientific papers, grant preparation, and oral presentations.
Basic computer literacy required, including skills in database management, statistical packages, and graphing software.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks as necessary.
Ability to work collaboratively.
Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
The desirable/preferred qualifications include:
Previous experience working at a zoological institution is desirable.
Experience running a multi-institutional study preferred.
Previous experience studying chimpanzees or other great apes preferred.
Broad research and conservation interests preferred.
Valid driver’s license preferred.
Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 851BR.