San Diego Zoo Global is a conservation organization dedicated to the science of saving endangered species worldwide. San Diego Zoo Global operates three world-class facilities: the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Our organization’s vision - we will lead the fight against extinction.
The San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research is seeking a highly qualified and motivated postdoctoral candidate to conduct scientific research in support of a reintroduction program for the critically endangered ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian Crow. The goal of the program is to establish self-sustaining populations of birds in the wild using captive propagation and reintroduction. The entire known `Alalā population is under the management of the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. Birds are maintained at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers (KBCC, MBCC) in Hawai`i, where the species is part of an intensive captive breeding program with a current population of 113 birds. Beginning in the Fall of 2016 approximately 15 birds will reintroduced annually to suitably restored habitat.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in reintroduction biology and significant experience in avian ecology and behavior. The successful candidate will: (1) develop a research program designed to test pre-release methods to prepare birds for release to the wild, such as anti-predator training; (2) oversee post-release monitoring; (3) develop a research program to test the role of various intrinsic and environmental factors that influence post-release success, using a theoretical framework from ecology and behavioral ecology.
The successful candidate will: supervise a small field release team, work closely with conservation partners from governmental and nongovernmental agencies and with other researchers at the Institute; design and implement research; collect data and train others in data collection; organize and analyze data; create action plans for future conservation efforts; share results with relevant partners involved in implementing conservation measures, and at conferences and workshops; prepare manuscripts for publication; become involved in outreach and education; and oversee setup of release facilities and equipment.
The postdoctoral fellow will be based in the Applied Animal Ecology Division (Director, Ronald Swaisgood) and is expected to build a collaborative research program with Institute scientists from several disciplines (for details see www.zooconservation.org). This position will primarily be based at the release site, as well as at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center on the Big Island of Hawaii, under the supervision of the Conservation Program Manager, with occasional travel to Maui.
A Ph.D. in Ecology, Behavior, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, or related discipline is required. Any of the following skills are desirable: ecological and behavioral research methodology, 4-wheel driving experience, spatial ecology, scientific writing skills, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed publications; oral communication, teamwork and management abilities; fluency in English language; strong computer, data management, and quantitative/statistical analysis skills.
The position will be for 3 years, with strong potential for multiple year employment, contingent upon funding and performance. Salary commensurate with experience, following NIH postdoctoral fellow salary guidelines.
Start date: Between September 1, 2015 and January 15 2016.
Deadline to submit request of application for adventure:
SUNDAY, JULY 19TH, 2015
Applications must be submitted online by 9:30pm Pacific Standard Time
