Research Assistant

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation animal care and welfare learning and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868 the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at .

The Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes is located within the Regenstein Center for African Apes a world-class facility that features dynamic habitats for chimpanzees and gorillas. The centers mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research that advances the knowledge of ape behavior and biology improve the care and management of apes in human care and conserve and protect wild chimpanzee and gorilla populations.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Assist with conducting touchscreen research with chimpanzees and gorillas housed at the Regenstein Center for African Apes. Also provide support for the following: touchscreen research with Japanese macaques housed at the Regenstein Macaque Forest; behavioral observations of chimpanzees gorillas and macaques; scoring data associated with the Goualougo Video Analysis Laboratory (Congo Apes Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park Republic of Congo); and research or administrative tasks for Project ChimpCARE.

This is a 2-year position with the possibility for renewal or extension based on continued funding and satisfactory job performance.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conduct daily touchscreen sessions with zoo-housed chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas both in view of zoo guests and in off exhibit animal care spaces
Assist with educational programs interpreting research methods and findings to zoo guests and donors
Liaise with members of the Zoos Animal Care Commissary and Learning Department staff to schedule and run touchscreen sessions and to share research updates
Maintain a database of data collected during research sessions
Assist with data analysis and interpretation for dissemination of research findings at conferences and via published peer-reviewed articles
Present research at national and international academic conferences
Assist with interpreting research to school groups zoo guests and donors
Assist with supervision and training of Center interns as required
The ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Safely navigate and work within off-exhibit animal care spaces
Performs other research and administrative duties as assigned

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Bachelors degree in biology psychology anthropology zoology or related field
Observational data collection experience with primates
Experience conducting noninvasive cognitive or behavioral research with primates in human care
Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint
Ability to organize and analyze data using software such as MS Excel and R
Strong organization and communication skills (written and spoken)
Ability to work well in a team in shared office spaces as well as independently
Interest and ability to live within the greater Chicagoland community

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Masters degree in biology psychology primatology anthropology zoology or related field
Experience running computer-based (e.g. touchscreen) research with primates in human care
Experience programming customized computer applications and graphical user interfaces (GUIs)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit for long periods of time
Ability to work in open office environment
Ability to traverse zoo grounds

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This is an on-site position with a Monday-Friday schedule. Ability for hybrid work (work from home) schedule may be discussed in consultation with manager
Must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination
Annual TB test required

SALARY

$22.00-$24.75/hr

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities perspectives values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical dental vision life and disability coverages and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park Lakeshore Trail and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events) attractions dining and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo wildlife ecology and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!