Post Doctoral Associate, Elephant Communication

Post Doctoral Associate, Elephant Communication - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Job Description

Posted Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 9:59 AM

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• 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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Postdoctoral Associate to apply machine learning (ML) expertise to investigate the meaning and structure of African savanna elephant vocalizations. The Associate will design and implement research working in close collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU), Save the Elephants, and the Wildlife Care teams at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in order to
1) explore individual and environmental variables influencing acoustic properties in elephant communication,
2) describe structural components encoding information and their behavioral context, and
3) explore how vocalizations may be used for applications in elephant conservation and welfare. The Associate will build a behaviorally and individually labelled dataset of elephant vocalizations from elephants at SDZWA using on-animal and array-based passive acoustic recording devices, and will have access to existing elephant vocalization datasets from wild elephants for analyses. Qualifications include a PhD in computer science, ecology, or a related field with a focus in ML, with a preference for candidates with experience in applying ML to acoustic data to develop detection and classification models.

Qualified candidates will have background in Python programming, linguistic analysis, or advanced work in animal communication, and possess in-depth knowledge about contemporary methods in machine learning. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaboration and research creativity and productivity. The position is co-advised within the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at CSU and the Associate will spend time in both locations.

The selected candidate will have opportunities to work with a diverse group of collaborators within SDZWA and CSU and with global partners, and will receive training in using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation for the planning and adaptive management of conservation projects.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• 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
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Position Type:
  Salaried Full-Time Exempt Three Year Post Doctoral Associate Position
• Salary Range: $87,264 to $98,172

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

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