Associate Population Biologist, AZA Population Management Center

Lincoln Park Zoological Society; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to many Chicago culture

On-site parking

Event ticket discounts

Training and educational sessions

Health Savings Account match

Job summary

Lincoln Park Zoo hires an early-career scientist to work with AZA Population Management Center to analyze population data, prepare studbooks, and advise SSP/SAFE programs. You will collaborate with species experts, lead reports, and assist in software development related to population management.

The role emphasizes mentorship by leading biologists, opportunities to present at conferences, and hands-on work with demographics, genetics, and population projections in a hybrid Chicago setting.

Qualifications

• Strong background in population biology and genetics, with ability to interpret simulation and deterministic models.
• Experience advising AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) or SAFE programs is a plus.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and write clear reports for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel to AZA conferences and represent the AZA PMC.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pedigree databases for analysis and run standard demographic/genetic analyses for SSP recommendations.
• Analyze population data to investigate management issues.
• Lead preparation and publication of population analyses and breeding/transfer recommendations.
• Facilitate meetings with program leaders and partners.
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo professionals and staff.
• Travel to AZA conferences and help develop population management software.

Skills

Population biology

Data analysis

Public speaking

Team facilitation

Demography

R programming

Pedigree analysis

Statistical modeling

Education

Master's degree in biology/population genetics

Tools

ZIMS for Studbooks

PMx

PMCTrack

R

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Help shape the future of animal populations across AZA zoos and aquariums

Join the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Center (PMC) at Lincoln Park Zoo and work with the specialized team of scientists advising the cooperatively managed AZA Animal Programs (Species Survival Plans® (SSPs), SAFE Programs, AZA Studbooks), with an ultimate goal of improving the viability of zoo and aquarium animal populations and related wild populations. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-career scientist to apply population biology, demography, genetics, meeting facilitation, and data analysis skills to real-world population management challenges, while collaborating with species experts across the AZA community.

What You’ll Gain

• Direct mentorship from leading population biologists.
• Experience advising AZA Species Survival Plan® Programs.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences.
• Hands-on work with demographics, genetics, and population projections.
• Contribute to management efforts involving hundreds of species.
• Opportunities to participate in software development and scientific research.
• Build relationships with AZA Animal Program leaders, animal managers, and scientific advisors from 240 zoos and aquariums.

Essential Job Functions

• Work with SSP and SAFE program leaders from AZA zoos and aquariums to prepare pedigree (“studbook”) databases for analysis, complete standard demographic and genetic analyses on the populations, collaboratively develop recommendations for future breeding and transfers in cooperatively managed animal programs (SSPs), and write reports
• Analyze databases and other records to investigate issues related to animal population management
• Lead the preparation, writing, and publication of reports on population analyses and breeding and transfer recommendations
• Facilitate meetings with program leaders and partners
• Assist (via phone, email, internet conferencing, or in person) SSP and SAFE program leaders on questions related to database analyses and population management
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo and aquarium professionals, Lincoln Park Zoo visitors and staff, and other audiences, as needed.
• Travel to AZA conferences and meetings to represent the AZA PMC.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of population management software.

• Dependent on background and capabilities, participate in research and/or projects in population biology, data management, or other aspects of cooperative Animal Programs.

• Participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation and Science Department’s team approach to ongoing population biology research and/or data management projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AZA PMC at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Location and Flexibility

• Hybrid position, based in Chicago.
• Combination of remote and in-office work, with a requirement to be in the office at least three days per week.
• Opportunities for travel to AZA conferences and professional meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities of a Successful Candidate

• We welcome applications from recent master's graduates as well as professionals with relevant zoo, aquarium, conservation, or population management experience, or any other relevant experience.
• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple tasks, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong scientific and professional written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with speaking publicly to a variety of audiences.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse people in the AZA community – tactful, mature, flexible. Able to facilitate large meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong background in population biology, use and interpretation of simulation and deterministic models, and broad knowledge of species biologies.
• Experience with zoo and aquarium based population management Animal Programs and software (e.g., ZIMS for Studbooks, PMx, PMCTrack) as well as Microsoft Office and R, preferred.
• Experience working with aquatic species, their husbandry, and/or aquariums, preferred.
• Ability to professionally represent the AZA PMC at external meetings.
• Commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and zoo and aquarium populations.
• Willingness to participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo’s team approach to projects.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work at a desk/computer for seven hours per day.

• Must be able to occasionally work on weekends, to participate in conferences or other tasks.

• Availability to occasionally work Lincoln Park Zoo special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evening, weekend, or holiday, as required.

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary Range

$47,000-50,000