The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is excited to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Herpetology. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the critical conservation efforts of the California Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) in Southern California and Baja California.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative project focused on the restoration and recovery of the Baja California lineage of the California Red-Legged Frog. This project is a partnership between The Nat, various government agencies, and non-profit organizations, aiming to translocate R. draytonii to Southern California and evaluate potential sites for establishing new populations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in and organize annual translocation actions to re-establish self-sustaining populations of R. draytonii within Southern California.
  • Coordinate with project partners to set conservation priorities.
  • Analyze data to develop consistent metrics for understanding population viability and guide future actions.
  • Lead the development of a comprehensive conservation plan, prioritizing new translocation sites.
  • Develop, implement, and publish research aligned with project goals.
  • Lead manuscript and technical document writing, data analysis, and visualization.
  • Contribute to fundraising efforts and disseminate project results to diverse audiences.
  • Assist with other herpetology and museum-wide initiatives as appropriate.

Qualifications:

  • PhD degree obtained within the past six years in conservation biology, ecology, evolution, environmental studies, environmental GIS, or related fields. Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all PhD requirements must be completed before the appointment start.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Experience working within collaborative teams involving various stakeholders, particularly in conservation projects.
  • Bilingual (English and Spanish) ability is preferred but not required.
  • Compliance with The Nat’s mandatory vaccination policy against COVID-19 is required, with accommodations considered for medical and religious exemptions.

Compensation and Benefits:

  1. Annual salary: $68,763.
  2. Three-year appointment contingent on satisfactory progress in the first year.
  3. Full-time, exempt position with benefits including health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, and reciprocal free admission to Balboa Park museums and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), a research statement detailing current work and research interests (1-2 pages), a curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2024

Please send application materials to [email protected].

For more details, please download the full position description.