The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly qualified individual for a Research Post-Doctoral Fellowship to assist in the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake in the wild. The Memphis Zoo was recently granted funding to support ongoing LPS genetics, disease monitoring, and assisted reproductive research as well as develop new research to monitor post-release behavior, ecology, and physiology of zoo-bred snakes to further aid in recovery of the species.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing partnerships and research within the current framework of the objectives of a funded USFWS Recovery Grant Proposal—specifically the Post-Doctoral Fellow will spearhead 1) the development of research to monitor behavior, physiology, habitat-use and survival of zoo-bred released snakes released into the wild using mark recapture tracking techniques such as radio telemetry, accelerometers and/or other technologies and 2) work with grant partners and Memphis Zoo staff to develop and implement in-house disease screening using qPCR for testing Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) and Cryptosporidium spp of LPS to improve health and biosecurity of the captive colonies and wild released snakes.

In addition to the main objectives, the Post-Doctoral Fellow, in collaboration with the Senior Conservation Scientist, will coordinate and collaborate with our grant partners at LPS breeding facilities at 4 zoological institutions and the University of Illinois to aid in information and sample exchange to support the other objectives of the grant that include ongoing disease monitoring in the wild at the release site; the development of genomic lineage data of the captive assurance colony and wild populations of LPS; and the assisted reproductive technologies research to infuse wild LPS genetics into the captive population.

The zoo population of LPS may be used to develop and test new techniques prior to application of monitoring techniques into the field as needed. The tracking techniques must be effective and practical in the field and adhere to welfare guidelines, and this may require the development and testing of novel methodologies. This position includes a research budget and funding for technician(s). Field work will be conducted at release site in Lousisana and on-site field housing is available. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Plan and execute conservation and research projects, specifically working with the Louisiana pinesnake (Pitouphis ruthveni), which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
• Develop and execute in situ conservation and field research efforts for monitoring physiology, behavior, habitat-use, and survival of released LPS at the recovery sites in Louisiana. 
• Develop and execute laboratory based research as needed, including managing the development of qPCR for disease screening for captive colony and wild collected samples at the Memphis Zoo.
• Collaborate with partners and assist with coordination and sample cataloging and sampling of wild and captive colony tissue samples to send to partners for genomic lineage research and assist with captive-breeding efforts.
• Prepare permit applications and reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Mentor students and volunteers and foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, ecology, ecophysiology, animal science, or related field.
• Master’s level candidates with appropriate research experience will be considered.
• Experience designing and coordinating field research projects.
• Candidates must be skilled in collecting field data, data entry, and preparing technical reports.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in R statistical and ArcGIS software or equivalent.
• Strong interest is working in the field and developing conservation research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in designing and implementing wildlife movement and ecology research
• Expertise in radio telemetry, accelerometers and associated data analysis techniques
• Experience in basic laboratory procedures especially in molecular techniques developing and running qPCR, genetics, assisted reproductive technologies, or immunology
• Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
• Animal handling experience.
• Strong record of student mentorships.

Salary:

$50 to $55,000/year for 2 years, with potential of extension. Salary commensurate with experience.  Eligible for benefits after 30 days.

Starting Date:

 Immediate start, negotiable, preferred by March 1, 2025.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Eligible to work in the USA