Plant Conservation Post Doctoral Associate

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The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

• Oversee assigned research projects.
• Collect, process, and enters research data.
• Perform experiments and measurements.
• Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
• Establish and maintain databases.
• Document research methodology and results.
• Prepare progress reports.
• Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

The Plant Conservation team, in association with the IUCN SSC Center for Species Survival – Biodiversity Biobanking, at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full‑time, 3‑year Post Doctoral Associate create species distribution models and use existing botanical collections, population monitoring and environmental datasets to identify rare plant conservation action priorities in seed collections and translocations for California native plants on two scales:
1) the flora of California to guide work of the collaborative network California Plant Rescue, and
2) the rare plants included in the Management Strategic Plan of San Diego.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Botany, Mathematical Biology, or similar field of study, with very strong analytical and quantitative skills, experience working with large existing data sets, experience integrating biodiversity and environmental data from a variety of sources, and knowledge of translating research insights to management guidelines. Applicants should have a proven record of population modeling and species distribution modelling, ideally with presence only data: advanced knowledge of statistical programming in either R or python as applied to species distribution modeling is required, with experience developing reproducible workflows for SDM model creation.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaborative research and peer‑reviewed publications, be familiar with full spectrum conservation strategies for rare plants, and have demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets.

In this effort, the Fellow will work with multiple local, regional, and international collaborative networks to apply insights gained from the rare plants in California to inform conservation action and future conservation guidelines.

• Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

• Doctorate or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent specialized training required.

• Specialization area preferred. (i.e. population biologist, demography, or genetics)
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a diverse environment.
• Knowledge of science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In‑House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

• Position Type:
  Three Year, Salary, Full‑Time, Exempt Position