Disease Investigations Research Associate I - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors - the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park - giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Research Associate I performs assigned laboratory, wildlife/plant care, field duties and/or training initiatives in support of a variety of research, endangered species propagation, and/or community initiatives. The position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health Department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care, and/or field duties, depending on the assignment.
• Collect, collate, maintain, process, and analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., data and biological samples).
• Collect, record and analyze data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
• Document, file, and maintain records.
• Conduct a variety of assigned research, husbandry, and training activities.
• Work with team of administrative assistant to maintain supply inventories and prepare purchase requisitions.
• Ensure laboratory, wildlife/plant care, and field equipment are properly maintained and calibrated and coordinates repairs and maintenance of equipment and facilities with administrative assistant.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Disease Investigations (DI) Department (Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) is looking for an entry level (BS or master's level) scientist interested in applying biochemistry and molecular biology to conservation research and animal health. Our team in DI includes veterinary pathologists, molecular biologists, toxicologists, and epidemiologists who are supported by a necropsy, pathology and histology laboratory, and the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL). Our work is split between providing critical health data for animals in our care and wildlife on field projects, both locally and globally. This role will work with teams with ongoing research projects. focusing on bench-to-field applications, biomarkers of health, and veterinary diagnostics. Duties include but are not limited to sample management, study review and design, colorimetric and luminescence assays, chemistry assays and PCR, qPCR or sequencing assays (e.g. pathogen diagnostics, cyanotoxin gene screens). Field work at the Safari Park or Zoo, or beyond maybe asked for this role depending on assay field applications.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 1 years of experience and/or certification in conducting laboratory or field-based research required.
• Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree biological sciences or a specialized field specific to the position is required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Trained in methodology and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, animal care, diagnostics, social science or science communication
• Proficient in data and record keeping.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment,
• Able to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• 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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $26.19 to $28.48

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.