Job Description:

Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Primate Research

Department: Research

Reports to: Director of Animal Welfare

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Status: Full-time

Who we are: Minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife, and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the one-and-only Atlanta. Atlanta is known as the “City in the Trees,” with the Zoo and surrounding neighborhood showcasing why. The zoo is in a strong financial position and is committed to investing in our staff and facilities to continue our focus on animal care, research, and conservation. We offer competitive pay rates, a diverse animal collection and an enriching work environment. We are looking for new team members dedicated to providing the best in animal welfare. 

As an organization, Zoo Atlanta’s points of pride include being one of only three zoos in the U.S. to house giant pandas; home of one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a longtime reputation for excellence in the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Our mission sets us apart, and every day at Zoo Atlanta is an opportunity for discovery, a chance to contribute to conservation, and a way to make a difference in the lives of the people of our community.

What we offer: As a workplace, Zoo Atlanta is very proud of a commitment to diversity and inclusion and a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to outstanding medical coverage and 403b retirement program match; vacation time buy and sell; professional development training; paid time off for community volunteering; and more.

Perks for this full-time position include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months of service
• Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Zoo Atlanta
• Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta
• Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions
• Complimentary family Zoo membership
• Discounted pricing on individual and family education programs, such as Safari Camp, Twilight Trek, NightCrawler, Survival Safari, and much more!
• Join the standby list for free behind-the-scenes encounters with elephants, lemurs, giant pandas, aldabra tortoises!

Job Purpose: This is a two to three year position funded by Bailey Endowment Fund, intended to support the Zoo's Key Commitments to Research, specifically related to non-human primates. Zoo Atlanta has a diverse primate collection and holds one of the largest gorilla and orangutan zoological populations within North America This position will focus on expanding primate research programs at Zoo Atlanta, specifically in primate behavior.

During the tenure of the fellowship, the researcher will develop and conduct their own original research projects and also to consider collaborating with other established researchers in primate behavior, especially regional collaborators at Emory University or Georgia State University. Opportunities to teach or co-teach courses at local universities are available, as well as mentoring undergraduate researchers from those institutions.

Job Summary: This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and participate in research related to behavior, welfare, and potentially other aspects of primate biology.  Additionally, this position will offer opportunities in both formal and informal education and other educational fora such as research-related social-media engagement.

For more information about our mission, animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org

How to apply: Please apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta Careers website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new studies designed to measure and test aspects of non-human primate behavior
• Maintain and develop collaborations with outside researchers
• 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 zoo research and animal-care staff
• Participate in training data collectors
• Communicate research results in staff seminars, scientific journals, conference presentations, and popular publications
• Work with the education department to ensure integration of research into educational programs
• Support the Zoo's mission of education through teaching in formal and informal settings

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biology, psychology, or related field
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for both formal and informal audience
• Strong record of published research
• Experience conducting research, preferably in a zoological or sanctuary setting and with primates
• Strong experimental design and analytical skills, especially dealing with small sample sizes
• Experience using standard statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R)
• Willingness to work in a dynamic environment alongside animal-management staff
• Experience using programming software packages (e.g. Presentation, Visual Basic) preferred
• Ability to work with others in a fast paced, team-oriented atmosphere
• Preferred if fellow has experience using electronic behavioral data collection software (e.g. Observer program by Noldus, Boris, ZooMonitor)

Education:

• Ph.D. in psychology, biology, or related field

Driving Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license

Work Environment:

• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather
• Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees to work some weekends, holidays and evenings
• This position requires 40 hours per week

Requirements:

• The fellow must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• The fellow must be willing to comply with all safety policies and procedures, including regular testing for tuberculosis, and wearing Personal Protective Equipment where/when required.
• Position limited to U.S. nationals, unless already in the United States with a working visa.

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment

To apply for this position, please go to our website: zooatlanta.org/About/Careers