Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Zoo New England is seeking an experienced, full-time Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to help design and implement a study on mammalian predation on wood turtles from April, 2024 through June, 2025, for its unique Field Conservation Department (FCD). The successful candidate must have at least a PhD in a field related to wildlife conservation and management. 

Zoo New England is dedicated to being internationally recognized for the quality of its conservation management and research activities. The FCD is a dynamic and fast-growing department dedicated to restoring populations of rare species and engaging local human residents in our conservation management work. A significant portion of our work is currently focused on improving the status of selected rare turtle, amphibian, fish, plant, and invertebrate populations in southern New England. In many of these programs, we work with local school children and adults who directly help us foster the recovery of rare animal and plant populations in their communities.

Zoo New England is a private, non-profit organization that operates the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA, and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA.  A satellite office for field conservation staff is also maintained in Acton, MA. 

Preference will be given for applications received by January 10, 2024

Target start date of February 19, 2024

Job Description

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship will be for fifteen months, from February 2024 through May 2025. Together with the Associate Director of Field Conservation, the Research Fellow will devise, plan, supervise, and execute a research program intended to increase our understanding of the dynamics of mammalian predation on juvenile and adult wood turtles and to devise methods that may decrease the rate of this predation. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will compile and analyze the results of this research, take a leading role in summarizing the findings in reports for permitting agencies and partners and in manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The Research Fellow will also assist with monitoring wood turtle populations that are being studied by the Field Conservation Department and will become familiar with the department's other conservation management programs, participating in those other projects as time permits.

Job Responsibilities

1. Oversees and conducts field studies on the species identity, seasonality and timing, and distribution among available habitat types of mammalian predation attempts on wood turtles through the use of wood turtle facsimiles, camera-traps, and genetic analysis of swabs taken from radio-tracked wood turtles.
2. Collects field data on the distribution, abundance, and movement patterns of the primary mammal species likely to prey on wood turtles in the area of selected wood turtle populations. Such studies may include the trapping and radiotracking of individuals of target mammal species.
3. Tests out possible methods to reduce mammalian predation on wood turtles through the use of aversive conditioning technologies or habitat modification.
4. Collects data on stress hormone levels of free-living wood turtles and possibly on the relative boldness of individuals and the relation between those traits and the risk of death or injury by predators.
5. Assists in radio-tracking, finding and protecting nests of wood turtles and in studying the dynamics of mammalian predation on wood turtle embryos, which may involve the creation and monitoring of facsimile wood turtle nests
6. Conducts a literature review on studies of mammalian predation on turtles and on the ecology of selected mammal species and uses existing and new field data to model and estimate the impacts of mammalian predation on wood turtle populations in Massachusetts.
7. Works with FCD staff to enter, compile, and analyze data related to the above studies and takes a leading role in drafting reports and manuscripts for permitting and for peer-review.
8. Works with supervisor to seek out funding opportunities to continue and expand this research program beyond the term described here.
9. Participates, as time permits, in other conservation management and related education projects conducted by the ZNE Field Conservation Department.

Minimum Job Requirements

1. D. degree in conservation biology or a related biological discipline or a terminal degree in veterinary medicine with demonstrated experience conducting field work with wild animals
2. Experience in conducting and managing field research projects, including experience with field work in difficult natural conditions, including wetlands, streams, and brush thickets.
3. Experience in analyzing and reporting upon the results of those projects
4. Excellent organizational skills
5. Superb written and verbal communications skills, including experience with writing and editing non-technical publications and conducting public presentations and educational programs
6. Commitment to teamwork, excellence, continuous improvement, creativity, and innovation
7. Adherence to zoonotic disease prevention protocols as mandated by Zoo New England
8. Must either have completed rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccinations or, at a minimum, must be willing and capable of completing the vaccination series.
9. Must possess a valid drivers' license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts

Preferred Job Requirements

• Record of successful grant applications and grant administration
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines
• Field experience with reptile species
• Radiotelemetry experience
• Experience with the use of camera traps
• Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

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