Post-Doctoral Scientist - CREW

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:

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:

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.