Postdoctoral Fellow

Toronto Zoo; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Zoo is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow, Wildlife Science to plan, organize, and implement investigative research within the TZ Science Teams. The role supports the organization’s Strategic Plan and involves coordinating with Indigenous communities and partners across academia and government.

The successful candidate will publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and help manage grant-funded research while mentoring students and reporting to zoo leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cryobiology or Biomedical Engineering.
• Experience applying these disciplines to wildlife conservation or conservation cryobanking is an asset.
• Experience handling and processing sperm, oocytes and somatic cells is an asset.
• Must have demonstrated ability to publish results in peer reviewed journals and obtain external funding.
• Ability to prepare research papers, reports and give formal presentation to groups and individuals.
• Knowledge of computerized programs and systems, including Microsoft Office 365.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with strong written and public speaking abilities.
• Working knowledge of Ontario OHSA and WHMIS legislation.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of a defined research project, including grant writing, experimental design, data collection, partner communication, student training, and related tasks.
• Oversees grant/donor funding reports and ensures proper use of financial resources to carry out research investigations.
• Develops and strengthens liaisons with Indigenous communities and organizations, academic, governmental and similar organizations as related to the research project.
• Supervises and/or oversees training of students assigned to the same project, including graduate and undergraduate students.
• Communicates results of research project to project stakeholders, Zoo staff, volunteers, and the public, and interacts with the media as a subject matter resource as needed.
• Publishes research data in academic journals and conference proceedings.
• Provides updates of activities for board and annual reports.

Skills

Grant writing

Experimental design

Scientific writing

Public speaking

MS Office 365

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in Biology

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

PhD in Cryobiology

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Duration: Starting ASAP, approx. 2 years.

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Number of Positions Open: 1

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

Position Purpose: The Postdoctoral Fellow, Wildlife Science is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing investigative research and communication related to a defined research project in a subject of interest to the TZ Science Teams (Reproductive, Veterinary, Welfare, Nutrition, and Species Recovery Sciences). This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Oversight of a defined research project, including grant writing, experimental design, data collection, partner communication, student training, and related tasks.
• Oversees grant/donor funding reports and ensures proper use of financial resources to carry out research investigations.
• Develops and strengthens existing liaisons with Indigenous communities and organizations, academic, governmental and similar organizations as related to the research project.
• Supervises and/or oversees training of students assigned to the same project, including graduate and undergraduate students.
• Communicates results of research project to project stakeholders, Zoo staff, volunteers, and the public, and interacts with the media as a subject matter resource as needed.
• Publishes research data in academic journals and conference proceedings.
• Provides updates of activities for board and annual reports.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must possess a PhD (preferably no more than 2 years post-graduation) from a recognized institution in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cryobiology, Biomedical Engineering.
• Specific interest and research experience with applying one of these disciplines to wildlife conservation and/or conservation cryobanking is an asset.
• Experience handling and processing sperm, oocytes and somatic cells is an asset.
• Must have demonstrated ability to publish results in peer reviewed journals and obtain external funding.
• Ability to prepare research papers, reports and give formal presentation to groups and individuals.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems, including Microsoft Office 365.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills, including excellent writing skills and the ability to speak confidently in public.
• Must have a working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

Your Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

Your Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

Your Toronto Zoo uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.