Associate Population Biologist, AZA Population Management Center

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us .

GENERAL SUMMARY

Help shape the future of animal populations across AZA zoos and aquariums

Join the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Center (PMC) at Lincoln Park Zoo and work with the specialized team of scientists advising the cooperatively managed AZA Animal Programs (Species Survival Plans® (SSPs), SAFE Programs, AZA Studbooks), with an ultimate goal of improving the viability of zoo and aquarium animal populations and related wild populations. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-career scientist to apply population biology, demography, genetics, meeting facilitation, and data analysis skills to real-world population management challenges, while collaborating with species experts across the AZA community.

What You’ll Gain

• Direct mentorship from leading population biologists.
• Experience advising AZA Species Survival Plan® Programs.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences.
• Hands-on work with demographics, genetics, and population projections.
• Contribute to management efforts involving hundreds of species.
• Opportunities to participate in software development and scientific research.
• Build relationships with AZA Animal Program leaders, animal managers, and scientific advisors from 240 zoos and aquariums.

• Work with SSP and SAFE program leaders from AZA zoos and aquariums to prepare pedigree (“studbook”) databases for analysis, complete standard demographic and genetic analyses on the populations, collaboratively develop recommendations for future breeding and transfers in cooperatively managed animal programs (SSPs), and write reports
• Analyze databases and other records to investigate issues related to animal population management
• Lead the preparation, writing, and publication of reports on population analyses and breeding and transfer recommendations
• Facilitate meetings with program leaders and partners
• Assist (via phone, email, internet conferencing, or in person) SSP and SAFE program leaders on questions related to database analyses and population management
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo and aquarium professionals, Lincoln Park Zoo visitors and staff, and other audiences, as needed.
• Travel to AZA conferences and meetings to represent the AZA PMC.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of population management software.

• Dependent on background and capabilities, participate in research and/or projects in population biology, data management, or other aspects of cooperative Animal Programs.

• Participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation and Science Department’s team approach to ongoing population biology research and/or data management projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AZA PMC at Lincoln Park Zoo.

• Hybrid position, based in Chicago.
• Combination of remote and in-office work, with a requirement to be in the office at least three days per week.
• Opportunities for travel to AZA conferences and professional meetings.

• We welcome applications from recent master's graduates as well as professionals with relevant zoo, aquarium, conservation, or population management experience, or any other relevant experience.
• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple tasks, and able to…