USA – Memphis Zoo and Mississippi State University Postdoctoral Fellowship in Reproductive Physiology
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a post-doctoral fellow who will be responsible for coordinating and conducting reproductive research for endangered amphibians, under the general co-direction of the Curator of Research and Conservation for the Memphis Zoo and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mississippi State University.
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will work collaboratively with research units at Mississippi State University as part of this appointment and will be in residence at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS). He or she will be working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, both at the Zoo and the University, focused on developing assisted reproduction for the conservation of endangered amphibians.
Responsibilities include:
- developing and coordinating a reproductive research program for conservation of amphibians, centered on the creation of a genetic resource bank for endangered anurans, novel hormone protocols for sperm production and ovulation, in-vitro fertilization, cryopreservation of embryos and sperm, and improving captive husbandry and reproduction;
- organizing relevant amphibian field projects to complement the ex-situ reproductive research program; designing and implementing amphibian reproductive studies of interest to the Fellow; husbandry and care of research amphibian collection;
- mentoring and coordinating volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students involved with reproductive studies;
- providing assistance to all senior scientists, research associates, graduate students, and/or post-doctoral fellows in conducting investigations related to the zoo’s collection;
- managing their own laboratory;
- compiling and maintaining complete and accurate research and conservation records through database entry, design and management of data including statistical analysis;
- producing periodic progress reports, scientific publications, and financial statements on the amphibian research program;
- interfacing with other Zoo staff members and University faculty;
- presenting research findings both nationally and internationally;
- representing the Zoo and University at professional meetings and assisting collaborators at other institutions;
- performing other duties as assigned to support the mission of the research and conservation department and in order to achieve the goals, mission, and objectives of the Zoo and University.
The term of this position is three (3) years and includes benefits after ninety (90) days of employment, and 401(k) after six (6) months of employment.
This exempt position is funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant.
Requirements:
- a Ph.D. degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or a related field with an emphasis on reproductive physiology;
- a minimum of two (2) years experience with reproductive biotechnologies and a strong interest in amphibian conservation (no previous experience with amphibians necessary);
- high degree of motivation;
- multi-task orientation;
- high degree of organization;
- ability to work well in a group environment;
- ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
- ability to prepare written materials and analyze data for reports;
- familiarity with use of Windows-based PCs and computer programs, to include a variety of word processing and database management computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, statistical programs, e-mail, and Internet research;
- familiarity with use of basic office equipment, which may include telephones, typewriters, fax machines, copiers, and other standard office equipment;
- ability to work indoors or outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The work schedule may include days, weekends, evenings, or holidays as needed and may require travel to other institutions, collaborating zoological parks, and/or universities in North America and internationally.
We will consider any combination of education and experience which provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.
Apply by April 15, 2010. Applications may be downloaded from the Zoo’s Web site here, submitted to Human Resources at the Zoo or mailed to Human Resources, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112.
Send a completed Zoo application, cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, transcripts from graduate school, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references. The cover letter should specifically address how previous experience addresses the skills and tasks required for this position. Walk-in interviews, phone calls, and email are not accepted. Applicants must be work-authorized individuals in the U.S., as specified by Form I-9, which includes a citizen of the U.S., a non-citizen national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work until a certain expiration date.
