Research Assistant

Ape 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.

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 center's 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.

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 Zoo's 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

• Bachelor's 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

• Master's 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!