Temporary Herpetology Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Description
Translocating California Red-legged Frogs – For the past five years, our team has translocated R. draytonii eggs from Baja California to southern California for in situ head-starting of tadpoles to reestablish populations within the species’ historical range. For the next three years, we plan to add new ponds at our current release sites to create functioning metapopulations. The incoming Postdoctoral Researcher will manage and analyze the data from this multi-year effort to create more uniform protocols and metrics to inform future actions.
Evaluating the Landscape for Establishing Populations – As our current release sites become established, we will evaluate the Southern California and Baja California landscape to expand our conservation actions. We plan to use genomic techniques to analyze the boundaries between the southern and northern genetic groups to determine the geographical extent for reintroductions. In addition, we will evaluate an array of potential sites for future reintroductions. Using the results from our first five years, the incoming Postdoctoral Researcher will help produce a conservation plan that includes restoration actions needed to create sites suitable to receive frogs.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with the Curator of Herpetology and our external partners to coordinate translocations, participate in field work, analyze data, and plan for the future growth of the project. The incoming candidate will also work collaboratively with our external partners, The Nat’s marketing department, and media outlets to promote team cohesion and publicly disseminate project results.
• Participate in and organize our annual translocation actions to re-establish self-sustaining
populations of R. draytonii within southern California.
• Coordinate with project partners to establish conservation priorities for the team.
• Analyze data to develop consistent metrics for understanding population viability, failures, and
successes.
• Lead the development of a conservation plan that evaluates and prioritizes new translocation
sites.
• Develop, implement, and publish research compatible with the goals of reestablishing frog
populations across their historical range.
• Lead manuscript and technical document writing, data analysis, and visualization.
• Help develop associated work products to improve equity and address structural inequalities
associated with conservation work.
• Contribute to fund-raising efforts.
• Coordinate the dissemination of results to a diverse range of audiences.
• Assist with other herpetology and museum-wide initiatives as appropriate.
• A PhD degree obtained within the past six years focused on conservation biology in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Environmental Studies, Environmental GIS, or related science discipline.
Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all formal requirements for a PhD must be completed before the start of the appointment.
• Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstration of excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Experience working within a collaborative team that includes other stakeholders (e.g., land managers, policy makers), especially in relation to conservation projects.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) ability is preferred but not a requirement.
In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.
Annual compensation is $68,763.
The appointment will be made for three years contingent on satisfactory progress in year one.
This is a grant-funded full-time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15
paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
How to Apply
To apply: Applicants should 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. Applications due by July 15, 2024. Please submit materials to hr@sdnhm.org.94 total views, 0 today