Scientist, Quantitative Ecology

Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Job Description

Posted Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Friday, June 19, 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.

The Scientist conducts independent and collaborative conservation research in a specialized area of biological or social science, and/or develops and conducts disease diagnostics and risk assessments for application to wildlife health. This position reports to an Associate Director or Director level or higher in Conservation Science Wildlife Health.

• Responsible for the development and oversight of research programs in a specialized field of study, i.e. genomics, ecology, epidemiology
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, popular literature, and other relevant media outlets.
• Responsible for program-staff supervision, including supervision of non-employee team members and mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
• Responsible for preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals and working with Philanthropy team on securing external funding.

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a highly accomplished Quantitative Ecologist or Ecological Statistician who brings at least five years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience and a strong commitment to applied conservation science. This is a full-time Scientist position that will support our local and global conservation programs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in occupancy and capture–recapture modeling, a solid foundation in general statistical methods, and demonstrated proficiency implementing Bayesian analyses using JAGS, NIMBLE, and/or Stan.

Experience with the analysis of movement data (e.g. Hidden Markov Models, Resource Selection Functions) along with spatial or GIS based modeling are highly desirable. They will be comfortable implementing and interpreting statistical models, working with large, complex ecological datasets, and collaborating closely with field biologists and conservation practitioners on study design, data analysis, and publications. This role requires someone who can translate rigorous quantitative analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform wildlife management and conservation decision making and who and can communicate effectively with both scientific and non-technical audiences in a mission driven, interdisciplinary environment.

• Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
• Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

• Ph.D. Post Doctorate degree in a specialized area of biological or social science and/or a DVM or equivalent specialized training required.

• Strong working knowledge of governmental regulations applicable to research, hazardous materials, and safety.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Strong working knowledge of biological and life science.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• 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

• Salary Range: $113,409 to $127,585

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.