CREW-Post-Doctoral Scientist - AIRS

The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking to hire a Post-Doctoral Scientist. This post-doctoral position is funded by private donations and is renewable on a yearly basis for up to two years. The work of the successful candidate must contribute to the goals and mission of the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS).

AIRS is a bold initiative founded in 2021 that is taking rhino science and collaboration to a new level while helping to save rhinos from extinction. AIRS was originally made possible by a federal National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is further supported by private donors. AIRS is led by a coalition of expert rhino scientists and is an exciting expansion of CREW's renowned Signature Rhino Conservation Project. This large coalition employed a multidisciplinary strategy to overcome the four greatest scientific challenges to sustaining rhino populations within our nation's zoos. The team recognized that the scientific challenges are inter-related, and studying one of them in isolation would fall short of what could be achieved by tackling all of them together. In short, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Since its founding, AIRS has made tremendous progress and continues to grow and expand as results lead to new discoveries and catalyze novel ideas that require follow-up research.

Position Summary: The successful candidate will conduct basic and applied research in support of AIRS which is now the focus of CREW's Rhino Signature Conservation Project. CREW's research emphasis has historically been on reproductive physiology, genome resource banking, and assisted reproduction technologies (ART), but now encompasses the four pillars of AIRS: physical fitness/health, iron overload disorder, reproduction, and wellbeing. The candidate chosen for this position will be expected to play a leading role in conducting follow up studies associated with the AIRS IOD Pillar related to iron-associated oxidative damage and rhino horn keratin biomarkers of health. Additional research opportunities may also be available under the Reproductive Pillar related to social triggers of ovarian function, pregnancy diagnosis, and/or fetal health monitoring. Original research ideas that will enhance the impact of AIRS on rhino management, care, and conservation will also be strongly encouraged.

The ideal candidate will have ample experience in experimental design, execution, statistical analyses, interpretation, and scientific writing. Expertise should include substantial laboratory work, and preference will be given to those with experience developing, performing, and trouble-shooting biomaterial extractions and quantifying biomarkers/hormones via one or more of the following methods: EIAs, HPLC, LC-MS, or Multiplex assays. Said candidate would also have a working knowledge of in vivo oxidation processes: catalysts, by-products, relationship to physiological and psychological stressors, and impact on overall health.

This position would be based at CREW, a state-of-the-art research facility located on the grounds of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, but candidates should be willing and able to travel and conduct some of their work at other Zoos across the globe and/or at international field sites if necessary. The chosen applicant will work closely with the CREW Director in developing research projects and conducting studies that address the iron overload pillar and/or integrate two or more of the AIRS pillars in more comprehensive studies. The candidate's own rhino research ideas related to AIRS will be encouraged and supported to the extent possible.

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 and perform laboratory plus computer work. Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug and nicotine screen and background check.

Compensation & Benefits: The annual salary is $50,000-$56,000 depending on qualifications/skills and post-graduate experience 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: 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 March 10th, 2026; applications may be reviewed as they are received.