Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior and Well-Being Post-Doctoral Researcher
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The Philadelphia Zoo is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow who will be responsible for developing and conducting research on animal behavior and well-being impact of the Zoo’s expanding trail system.
Planned as a campus-wide system called Zoo360, the Zoo’s animal trails are elevated and ground-level passageways intended to create expanded animal habitat themselves, but also designed to link existing and future exhibits to allow for cross-species timesharing. The plan features three types of trail systems networking the Zoo’s 42-acres – smaller elevated trails for arboreal species such as monkeys and lemurs; ground-level and elevated trails for larger but still agile species including apes, bears and cats; and ground-based pathways for larger, terrestrial species such as hoofstock.
The existing phases of the trail system, completed from 2011 to 2014, include sections for monkeys and lemurs, great apes and big cats. Spring 2015 expansions will add to trail space for all of these groups and add to the number of species with trail access. A spring 2016 project will pilot rotation/exhibit time-sharing opportunities for large hoofstock.
The post-doctoral research fellow will be responsible for designing and conducting an innovative and rigorous research program to assess behavioral and well-being consequences of the trail system. The target species and study techniques will be developed in collaboration with Zoo staff. Evaluation techniques could include behavioral observation, preference testing, motivational assessment and cognitive bias testing, along with physiological and health measures, but new approaches to assessing the impact of the trails would be welcome. Applicants should be aware that there are no species that present opportunities for large sample sizes – holdings of species using the trail system currently range from one to seven. The fellow will be expected to recruit, train and supervise any volunteers needed to carry out the research program developed; coordinate with and contribute to research efforts on the impact of the trail system on Zoo guests; present research findings nationally and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. The term of this position is two (2) years, and is supported by already-committed funding. Additional funding is available for materials and conference travel.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Psychology, Zoology, Animal Science or a related field, with an emphasis on animal behavior. Candidates should have experience with a variety of techniques related to the recording and measurement of animal behavior, and have an existing publication record, ideally including one or more first-author papers. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an ability to develop experimental design and apply appropriate statistics in small sample size contexts. Comfort with using technology and automated approaches to gathering behavioral data a plus. Previous experience in a zoo or similar setting is preferred. As the fellow will have to work closely and collaboratively with animal care staff, excellent interpersonal skills will be required.
Compensation and benefits:
Base compensation for this position is $47,500. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental insurance, short/long-term disability and life insurance, paid time off and 401(k) with company match.
To apply for this position:
Use this link to upload your cover letter and curriculum vitae/resume as one document: https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=11907321. The cover letter should address skills and experience that are relevant to this position, and may include initial thoughts on research approaches.
Additional application materials should be readily available upon request, including transcripts from graduate school and contact information for three professional references.
Closing date for applications is February 1, 2015, with a projected starting date of approximately May 1, 2015. However, the position may remain posted until a candidate is hired.