Assistant Research Coordinator

City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator

The City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator will assist the City Zoos Research Manager in building the capacity of the City Zoos to conduct applied research projects for the purpose of improving management and care of the zoos' animal populations. They will support the planning, execution, and dissemination of research projects by working closely with the Research Manager, animal care teams, various other zoo staff departments, and academic partners. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about conducting responsible, ethical research that contributes to animal care, welfare, and conservation.

1. Collaboration and Communication

• Assist in training interns, volunteers, and staff on research methods and data collection protocols.
• Coordinate scheduling and communication between research staff, animal care teams, other internal departments, and external collaborators.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress and outcomes.

2. Research Support

• Assist in designing and implementing research studies broadly related to management under human care in specific fields of animal behavior, nutrition, reproduction, etc.
• Conduct systematic data collection, behavioral observations, environmental monitoring, sample collection, etc., following established protocols.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and secure research records, logs, and databases.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and supplies needed for research projects.
• Troubleshoot research equipment, such as video systems, data loggers, or environmental sensors.
• Help ensure all research activities comply with institutional policies, animal welfare requirements, and applicable permits; assist in coordinating submission of all proposals for City Zoos animal research projects requiring WCS IACUC and/or IRB review and approval.

3. Data and Reporting

• Enter, clean, and analyze data using approved software (e.g., Excel, SPSS)
• Assist with preparing research findings for interdepartmental meetings, conferences, publications, and grant proposals.

4. Represent WCS in a professional manner. Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the public.

5. Complete other duties as assigned by manager.