Position title: Post-Doctoral Scientist
Organization: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (AZA Member)
Location: Cincinnati, OH, United States
Job or Internship: Job
The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo &
Botanical Garden is seeking to hire a Post-Doctoral Scientist to join our team. This is a two-year, full-time, grant-funded position, partially supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS) National Leadership Grants program and offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact
research at the interface of –omics and wildlife biology.
Position Summary: This role provides an exceptional, immersive training opportunity for a highly
motivated early-career scientist eager to translate cutting-edge –omics technologies into practical tools
for wildlife monitoring and conservation. The Post-Doctoral Scientist will play a central role in
advancing an IMLS-funded project supporting CREW’s Polar Bear Signature Project, with an
emphasis on developing and validating molecular approaches that can be deployed to better understand
and conserve bears (Ursidae). Rather than discovery alone, this work is intentionally geared toward
advancing understanding of reproductive processes while identifying and rigorously validating
physiological biomarkers that can be translated into reliable, scalable tools, such as biomarker-based
assays and monitoring techniques, to improve conservation and management decision-making for both
zoo-managed and wild bears. By linking controlled studies in zoo-managed populations with
applications relevant to free-ranging bears, the research generated through this position will directly
inform strategies for monitoring, managing, and conserving bear populations both in situ and ex situ.
Core Responsibilities: The position has two primary, interrelated scientific responsibilities, both
central to the success of the project:
1) Lead the design, analysis and interpretation of proteomics datasets, particularly those derived from
extracellular vesicles (EVs). Because many wildlife species lack well-annotated reference genomes or
proteomes, this role requires creativity and expertise in bioinformatics approaches tailored to non-model organisms. The candidate will be expected to navigate sparse reference data and extract
biologically meaningful interactions relevant to pregnancy and embryonic development.
2) Validate and optimize serum-based multiplex assays for reproductive and wellness biomarkers. This
includes communication and coordination with multiple institutions, assay performance evaluation,
cross-species applicability, analytical validation, and biological interpretation in the context of
reproductive state and health. This component of the position is critical for translating molecular
discoveries into practical tools that can be applied in zoo-managed and, ultimately, wild populations.
In addition to the core responsibilities above, the Post-Doctoral Scientist may contribute to a range of
complementary research activities, including but not limited to:
- Fecal hormone analyses via ELISAs
- Gamete collection, cryopreservation, and biobanking
- Evaluation of other non- and minimally invasive monitoring techniques
The Post-Doctoral Scientist will work closely with CREW senior scientists, mentor and supervise a
B.S.- or M.S.-level Scholar, and contribute technical and analytical expertise to advance CREW’s
mission: Saving Species with Science®. Opportunities for collaboration with external academic, zoo,
and conservation partners are expected.
Qualifications: Candidates should have a Ph.D. in biological sciences or a related field; exceptionally
strong candidates with a M.S. and substantial proteomics or bioinformatics may also be considered.
Other qualifications include:
- Demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics, with emphasis on proteomics, lipidomics, and/or sequencing-based datasets; experience working with complex or non-model organisms is highly valued
- Background or coursework in mammalian reproductive physiology
- Proficiency with statistical and data analysis software (e.g., R/RStudio)
- A peer-reviewed publication record demonstrating the ability to conduct research, along with motivation to complete and publish research.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences including scientists, animal care staff, students, volunteers, donors, collaborators, and the general public
- Willingness to travel up to six times per year for research procedures and conferences, and flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend events
- Prior research experience with wildlife or zoo-managed species is desirable
- Must be a U.S. citizen; we cannot support international visas at this time
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
The successful candidate will be considered an essential part of the CREW team and, as such, will be
expected to attend weekly staff meetings, train and mentor students and interns, participate in CREW
fund-raising events, perform scientific demonstrations for the public at special events, speak with
visitors/students about their work, and give tours of the CREW facility.
About CREW: Located on the grounds of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, CREW is
dedicated to supporting conservation research and houses a team of full-time scientists. CREW plays a
critical role in broadening the knowledge and understanding of animal and plant biology, increasing
and preserving global biodiversity, connecting managed and wild populations and conserving
imperiled species in their native environment. Channeling the strengths and expertise of the scientific
staff, CREW takes a focused approach to wildlife conservation by identifying Signature projects where
we believe our impact can be significant, including: 1) rhinos, 2) exceptional plants, 3) imperiled cats,
and 4) polar bears. Each Signature project is a well-rounded program with ongoing activities in each of
five strategic areas considered essential to conserving these species: research, education, in situ
protection, propagation, and visitor involvement.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to
stand, walk, kneel, and utilize manual dexterity to use equipment, computer mouse and keyboard.
Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug and nicotine screen and
background check.
Compensation & Benefits: The annual salary is $55,000 with a comprehensive benefits package
including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage, 401(k) plan with company match, flexible
spending accounts, generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave), company-paid disability
& life insurance, park discounts and free passes.
To apply for this position: Qualified candidates may apply via our online application on our website
at: http://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities/. Please include: 1) resume or CV
and 2) cover letter, which should include contact information for three professional references. By
applying, the applicant acknowledges that s/he is willing to relocate to Cincinnati, if applicable.
Timeline: Closing date for applications is February 28, 2026; applications may be reviewed as they are
received.
The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was rated the #1 attraction in Cincinnati and
one of the top five zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey. It has also been recognized by Child Magazine
as one of "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids." Over 1.2 million people visit the Zoo's award-winning exhibits,
and more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species annually. The Zoo is an accredited member of the
American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA), is internationally known for its success in the
protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants, and engages in research and
conservation projects worldwide.
