Post Doctoral Fellow in Ex​/In Situ Conservation focusing Alligator Snapping Turtles

Memphis Zoo is seeking an independently motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience linking ex situ and in situ conservation who is able to lead a new Alligator Snapping Turtle conservation and research initiative. Memphis Zoo has a long history with Macrochelys, having displayed many large specimens through the decades, and Memphis Zoo researchers Dr.

Steve Reichling and Dr. Sinlan Poo have initiated this new signature collaboration with Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee (Arkansas State University), in partnership with Wolf River Conservancy, USFWS, and TWRA.

The purpose of the Postdoc is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its wildlife conservation priorities. The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships focused on advancing the Zoo’s mission, with a specific focus on Alligator Snapping Turtles, a species native to the greater Memphis area and West Tennessee.

We seek a passionate conservation biologist with the skills, experience, and desire to advance one of these programs by combining ex situ and in situ research projects. This work will include a significant field component, including surveying and monitoring existing wild populations in the area, and a captive component, through increasing the ex situ conservation capacity at the Memphis Zoo. The successful candidate may approach the challenge from a wide range of perspectives including, but not limited to, ecology, physiology, evolution, animal behavior, microbiology, or nutrition.

• This is a 3-year appointment.
• The Final date to receive applications is May 1, 2026.
• Application reviews will begin after April 1, 2026.
• Anticipated start date for position is August 1, 2026.

• Develop, conduct, and supervise projects that make a clear, positive, and measurable impact on the target conservation issues.
• Effectively communicate conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
• Successfully pursue networking opportunities and collaborations with universities and partnering Institutions.
• Secure external funding to augment internal research funds.
• Engage in media, development, and public speaking opportunities.
• Mentor, nurture, and develop research capacity in students, interns, and technicians.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

• PhD in biological sciences, wildlife biology, animal science, or related field.
• Experience designing and coordinating research projects.
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications in relevant disciplines.
• Strong record of applying to and securing grants.

• 5+ years of experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• Experience in domestic or international field research.
• Proven track record for developing and cultivating intra‑ and inter‑institutional research collaborations, including stakeholders from non‑profits, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Effective articulation of scientific discoveries and conservation issues to the public.
• Strong record of student mentorship.

• Proficient in R statistical software or equivalent.
• Proficient in MS Office and record‑keeping software & systems.
• Oral and written communication.
• Critical thinking and analysis.
• Strategic planning.
• Records and reports creation and management.
• Problem solving.
• Stress management/composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork orientation.

Students, interns, and staff technicians may be the supervisory responsibility of this position. Mentorship is an important part of this position and should be expected. This may include supervision on zoo grounds or in the field.

Reports to Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan Poo.

Full‑time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the…