Post Doctoral Fellow in Ex/In Situ Conservation focusing on Alligator Snapping Turtles (Full Time)

Essential Job Functions

The purpose of the Postdoc is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its wildlife conservation priorities. The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships focused on advancing the Zoo’s mission, with a specific focus on Alligator Snapping Turtles, a species native to the greater Memphis area and West Tennessee. We seek a passionate conservation biologist with the skills, experience, and desire to advance one of these programs by combining ex situ and in situ research projects. This work will include a significant field component, including surveying and monitoring existing wild populations in the area, and a captive component, through increasing the ex situ conservation capacity at the Memphis Zoo.

Essential Dates

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026
• Application reviews begin: After April 1, 2026
• Anticipated start date: August 1, 2026

Minimum Education And Experience

• PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field
• Experience designing and coordinating research projects
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines
• Strong record of applying to and securing grants

Preferred Education And Experience

• 5+ years of experience developing, leading, and managing research projects
• Experience in domestic or international field research
• Prominent track record for developing and cultivating intra- and inter-institutional research collaborations, including stakeholders from non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions
• Effective articulation of scientific discoveries and conservation issues to the public
• Prominent track record for student mentorship

Competencies

• Proficient in R statistical software or equivalent
• Proficient in MS Office and recordkeeping software & systems
• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Strategic planning
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem solving
• Stress management/composure
• Flexibility
• Teamwork orientation

Supervisory Responsibility

Mentorship is an important part of this position and should be expected. This may include supervision on zoo grounds or in the field.

Reporting Structure

Reports to Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan Poo.

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel and administration is to be expected.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling
• May occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.

EEOC And Inclusion Statement

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

How To Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered.