Hiring Organization: Disney's Animal Kingdom/New College of Florida
Date Posted: 2011-09-20
Position Description: Assist with behavioral research projects being conducted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. Report to the Research Manager and work as part of the team to design and implement studies on captive animal behavior covering a variety of topics. Assist with database management, statistical analysis, and publication writing.
Project Description: The Animal Research Team works with animal care staff to develop research projects, implement studies, analyze data, interpret results and disseminate information to relevant parties.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Collect and /or analyze behavioral data according to established methodologies
- Collect animal visibility data
- Assist in design of studies
- Works in close association with other members of the Animal Research Team
- Participate in training data collectors
- Participate in Guest interactions a minimum of once a week
- Assist in the development of interactive, interpretive experiences in partnership with the scientific and education staff
- Communicate research results in staff seminars, scientific journals, conference presentations, and popular publications
- Participate in relevant conferences and meetings
Qualifications/Experience:
* Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate (defending by December 2011) in animal behavior or related field
* Excellent written and oral communication skills for both formal and informal audiences
* Experience conducting research in a captive setting
* Strong experimental design and analytical skills, especially dealing with small sample sizes
* Experience using standard statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS)
* Ability to work with others in a fast paced, team oriented atmosphere
Preferred skills:
• Primate and/or avian research experience
• Experience using the Observer program by Noldus (design, data collection, and analysis) and/or other behavioral monitoring programs
• Computer programming experience
• Previous teaching experience
• Previous experience in zoos/aquariums
Term of Appointment:
Contract appointment beginning as soon as December 2011 as an independent contractor with possible renewal for a second term. This position is a Research Fellowship through New College of Florida based at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Applicant must be able to work in the United States. Employer will not pay fees associated with relocation or visa/work permit applications.
Application Deadline:
October 14th, 2011
Comments:
Email cover letter, resume, writing sample and a letter of reference to:
Katherine Leighty, Ph.D. - Research Manager at Katherine.Leighty@Disney.com
Contact Information:
Dr. Katie Leighty
USA
E-mail Address: