The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden ( http://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/crew ) is seeking to hire a Post-Doctoral Scientist to advance the health, welfare, and humane management of community cats. This full-time, two-year position is funded by the Joanie Bernard Foundation and includes a competitive salary and full benefits.
Position summary:
- The selected candidate will be immersed in translational research focused on feline reproduction, behavior, wellness, and community-based management strategies.
- A key responsibility—and the primary deliverable—of this position is leading a systematic review of trap-neuter-return (TNR) literature using PRISMA guidelines.
- The resulting peer-reviewed publication will serve as a foundational resource to inform future research, identify knowledge gaps, and guide evidence-based best practices in TNR implementation.
- In addition, the post-doctoral scientist will support several active research studies, including developing non-surgical sterilants, evaluating long-term vaccine immunity, analyzing dietary intake through stable isotope analysis, and advancing evidence-based husbandry practices.
- The position involves direct interaction with cats, including participation in clinical procedures, behavioral assessments, sample collection, and routine husbandry activities as part of ongoing research studies.
- This is a highly collaborative position involving close interaction with external research partners and stakeholders in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and public health.
Qualifications:
- This position is open to candidates with a DVM and/or PhD in a related scientific field such as veterinary medicine, animal science, or public health.
- Applicants must have legal eligibility to work in the US, maintain a current COVID-19 vaccination status, and possess a valid driver’s license.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific writing background with a demonstrated publication record, proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and experience in study design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
- Additional experience in the following areas is preferred:
- Systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses
- Free-roaming cat management or shelter medicine
- Ecology, conservation biology, or wildlife health
- Reproductive physiology, veterinary clinical trials, or One Health principles
- Science communication and stakeholder engagement
Compensation & Benefits:
- This is a full-time, 24-month temporary position with a total stipend of $60,000, paid bi-weekly. The position is exempt from overtime and includes a comprehensive benefits package, featuring affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with company match (after six months); flexible spending account; generous paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); company-paid disability and life insurance; park discounts; and complimentary passes.
- Additionally, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to attend a scientific conference relevant to the project’s goals.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening, TB test, and background check.
- To apply for this position: Interested and qualified candidates must submit an online application through our website at https://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities/#apply. Applications must include:
- Cover letter outlining career goals and fit for the position
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references
- Timeline: Closing date for the first round of applications is 7/1/2025, with a flexible starting date before 9/1/2025.
- However, if an appropriate candidate is not identified, the position will remain posted until a qualified candidate is hired.
