Post Doctoral Fellowship in Primate Research
Hiring Organization:
Zoo Atlanta
Position Description:
This position will support and expand Zoo Atlanta’s primate research program, which focuses on social behavior and development, cognition, and improving captive management and well-being. The primary research focus will be on conducting experimental studies aimed at expanding our understanding of primate cognition with a specific focus on gorillas and orangutans. The Zoo houses the largest zoo collection of gorillas (N=22) and orangutans
(N=13) in the country and has collaborative relationships with other zoos and local universities that may be used to further increase sample size.
The fellow will report to the Director of Primate Reserach and be expected to design novel studies as well as use proven methodologies from other species to gather data that will enable a more comparative analysis of cognition and expand our understanding of the evolution, mechanisms and expression of primate cognitive abilities.
The position offers the potential to collaborate with outside scientists and zoos and to obtain an academic affiliation with a local university.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
-Design, conduct and analyze studies on primate behavior and cognition -Mentor undergraduate researchers and interns -Assist with statistical analysis and write up for existing datasets -Write grants to support research program -Work in close association with other research and primate staff -Participate in training data collectors -Communicate research results in staff seminars, scientific journals, conference presentations, and popular publications -Support the Zoo’s mission of education through teaching in formal and informal settings
Qualifications/Experience:
Required skills:
* Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate (defending by June 2012) in animal behavior or related field
* Excellent written and oral communication skills for both formal and informal audiences
* Experience conducting research, preferably in a captive or sanctuary setting and with apes
* 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:
* Experience using the Observer program by Noldus (design, data collection, and analysis) and/or other behavioral monitoring programs
* Computer programming experience
* Previous teaching experience
Salary/funding:
Salary and benefits included for two years.
Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals,
lodging):
NA
Term of Appointment:
This is a two year position to start in early 2012 (February/March)
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2011
Comments:
Interested candidates please apply online at http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/careers. Please include cover letter describing previous experience and future career and research goals, CV and two letters of recommendation.
Contact Information:
Tara Stoinski
800 Cherokee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30315
USA
Telephone Number:
404 624 5826
Fax Number:
404 624 5841
Website:
http://www.zooatlanta.org
E-mail Address:
tstoinski@zooatlanta.org