Post-Doctoral Scientist - CREW

Position title: Postdoctoral 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 seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Scientist to join its Polar Bear Signature Project. This position offers the opportunity to address a critical need in wildlife medicine: reliable benchmarks for distinguishing normal variation in bloodwork from potential signs of disease. Supported by the Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Foundation, the scientist will lead a collaborative project to establish clinically informed bloodwork reference intervals for polar bears, translating an extensive archive of veterinary records into practical tools for animal care and conservation. This work will help veterinarians and wildlife researchers assess polar bear health, from individual bears in zoos to wild populations in a changing Arctic. The species’ pronounced seasonal shifts in metabolism, reproduction, and behavior add an intriguing dimension to understanding normal variation in typical health indices.

Position Summary: The Postdoctoral Scientist will turn decades of zoo veterinary records into clinically informed bloodwork reference intervals for polar bears to help distinguish normal variation from potential signs of disease. The primary focus is detailed review of medical histories, some approaching 1,000 pages per animal, to build standardized datasets, conduct statistical analyses, and prepare findings for publication. The ideal candidate enjoys bringing order to complex information, working through records that vary widely in format, terminology, and completeness to build reliable datasets. The scientist may also recruit and train student reviewers, establish review protocols, and oversee data quality. Exceptional attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and satisfaction in meticulous work are essential.

In addition to the primary study, the scientist may have the opportunity to contribute to related studies investigating potential contributors to reproductive failure in polar bears. These may include conducting hormone and other biomarker assays, evaluating potential infectious and other disease related factors, and exploring associations with reproductive outcome. The scope will be determined by project priorities, with the reference interval study remaining the primary commitment.

Core responsibilities:

• Conduct and/or oversee systematic review of archived veterinary medical records and extraction of laboratory results, diagnoses, and relevant clinical information.
• Apply established criteria to evaluate health status at the time of sample collection and determine eligibility for reference interval analyses.
• Build and maintain a well-documented database integrating information across institutions, diagnostic laboratories, and time periods.
• Standardize laboratory terminology and measurement units; identify inconsistent or implausible entries; and resolve discrepancies through source verification and consultation.
• Conduct statistical analyses to establish reference intervals and evaluate differences associated with factors such as age, sex, and season, where sample sizes permit.
• As needed, recruit, train, and supervise veterinary students or other qualified trainees to assist with medical record review and data extraction, including through outreach to veterinary school contacts. Establish checks for consistency among reviewers and retain responsibility for the accuracy of the final dataset.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical summaries, and presentations that communicate findings to veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and population managers.
• Coordinate with collaborating institutions to obtain additional records or samples, clarify information, and communicate project progress.

Depending on progress, additional activities may include:

• Work with the project director and veterinary collaborators to prioritize potential contributors to reproductive failure, including infectious and other health-related factors, for investigation.
• Coordinate targeted laboratory testing with collaborating institutions and diagnostic laboratories or, if needed, validate and perform in-house assays; compile antibody titers and other relevant test results.
• Analyze associations between candidate factors, evidence of pathogen exposure, and reproductive outcomes, and interpret findings to identify priorities for further investigation.

As a member of the CREW team, the Postdoctoral Scientist will attend staff meetings and contribute to student training, public education, facility tours, and occasional fundraising or outreach activities as appropriate to their work arrangement. Some travel and occasional evening or weekend participation may be required.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biological sciences, veterinary sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related discipline, or a D.V.M. or equivalent veterinary degree. Candidates with an M.S. accompanied by substantial relevant research and data management experience may also be considered.
• The ability to plan and manage a project independently, track progress, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with clinical pathology, laboratory test interpretation, and reference interval methods.
• A demonstrated record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and experience completing analyses and preparing manuscripts.
• Exceptional attention to detail, including the ability to detect discrepancies and verify information against original records.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and consistency during repetitive record review and to ensure these standards are maintained across a team of reviewers.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and statistical software, and the ability to develop reproducible data processing and analysis workflows.
• Sound scientific judgment, including the ability to recognize uncertainty, document decisions, and seek appropriate clinical or technical input.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, veterinarians, students, and zoo professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines for establishing reference intervals in animal species.
• Prior research experience in zoos.
• Experience with reproductive health research, infectious disease investigations, serologic data, or coordination of testing using archived biological samples.

The Postdoctoral Scientist will gain experience in conservation medicine, collaborative research, quantitative analysis, and publication. The funded projects use archived records and previously banked samples and do not include a hands-on animal component. Limited opportunities to observe or assist with reproductive examinations may arise but are opportunistic and cannot be guaranteed.

Working Conditions: This position primarily involves computer-based activities, including prolonged periods reviewing electronic records, managing data, and conducting analyses.

Appointment Term: This grant-funded position may be structured as either a one-year, full-time appointment (40 hr/wk) or a two-year, part-time appointment (20 hr/wk). Extension beyond the selected appointment period is contingent upon securing additional funding.

Compensation & Benefits: The annual salary is $57,000 for a one-year, full-time appointment or $28,500 per year for a two-year, part-time appointment at 50% effort. The full-time position offers 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. The part-time appointment is not eligible for benefits.

To apply for this position: Qualified candidates may apply online at: http://cincinnatizoo.org/about us/job-opportunities/. Please include: 1) a resume or CV and 2) a cover letter, which should include contact information for three professional references and whether you prefer a one-year, full-time or a two-year, part-time appointment.

Timeline: To be considered in the first round of reviews, please apply by November 28, 2026. The position may start as early as January 2027, with some flexibility based on candidate availability. Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug and nicotine screen and background check.