Program Analyst

AZA Reproductive Management Center at the Saint Louis Zoo
Department of Reproductive & Behavioral Sciences
United States MO ST Louis
www.stlzoo.org/animals/scienceresearch/reproductivemanagementcenter

Description

The Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s (AZA) Reproductive Management Center (RMC) is tasked with providing science-based reproductive management advice to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to support the long-term viability of animal populations in human care. The RMC conducts research on predictors of successful reproduction in AZA-managed animal populations, uses modeling to identify optimal breeding strategies that meet population genetic and demographic goals while maintaining fertility, investigates the safety, efficacy and reversibility of contraceptives used in wildlife, and provides contraceptive recommendations to animal managers.

The RMC is staffed by two individuals whose salaries are provided by the AZA but who work at and have benefits provided by the Saint Louis Zoo. This advertisement is for the Program Analyst in the RMC.

The primary responsibilities of this position are to conduct research projects related to population sustainability through advanced statistical analyses and simulation modeling, to administer the AZA RMC’s contraceptive use database in collaboration with the EAZA Reproductive Management Group (EAZA RMG), and to manage the daily operations of the Suprelorin®, MGA feed, and MGA liquid contraceptive programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Analysis and Modeling
o Analyze the data in the contraception database to investigate product efficacy, safety, and reversibility to inform the RMC’s contraception recommendations on product type and dose for each species or taxonomic group and for scientific publication
o Perform Reproductive Viability Analyses (RVA) to determine which attributes of individual animals and pairs are associated with reproductive success for AZA SSP-managed populations
o Develop Lifetime Reproductive Planning (LRP) models to investigate the effect of different reproductive strategies on gene diversity and demography of managed animal populations
• Administration of the Contraception Database
o Review all user activity and data entered into the contraception database website for correctness, completeness, and consistency
o Work with EAZA RMG to make improvements to the contraception database website
o Create summaries on species application, efficacy, and reversibility from the database for use in updating contraception recommendations for AZA TAGs and SSPs
• Manage the Suprelorin®, MGA feed, and MGA liquid contraceptive programs which includes:
o Participant registration
o Providing reports to product manufacturers and regulatory bodies
o Inventory management and accounting for Suprelorin implants
o Answering email and phone inquiries regarding contraceptive options and dosing
• Update the AZA Reproductive Management Center website as needed
• Attend professional meetings/conferences to update the AZA community (e.g., veterinarians, veterinary technicians, curators, keepers, and directors) on contraceptive products and application
• Disseminate information from the RMC through peer-reviewed publication of data analyses and modeling work
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may oversee students or volunteers and will participate in recruitment, training, on-boarding, and management of these individuals in collaboration with the RMC Program Coordinator.

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director, AZA Reproductive Management Center, Dept. of Reproductive & Behavioral Sciences


Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

To be successful in this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The successful candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Advanced knowledge and experience in applied statistical analyses and data management
• Ability to pay strong attention to details
• Programming experience in R and Vortex strongly preferred
• Familiarity with MS Office required, experience with MS Access preferred
• Knowledge of animal reproductive physiology is preferred
• Proven record of research and data analyses and a strong record of publication in related fields
• Zoo, aquarium, or museum experience is preferred
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong proficiency in both written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain relationships with the AZA community and partner organizations
• Ability to travel to professional meetings as needed
• Commitment to the mission of the Saint Louis Zoo and the Zoo’s Core Values

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

PhD in biology, ecology, zoology, conservation science or related field with a strong biostatistics background, or an MS in biostatistics, applied statistics, or statistics with a strong biological component required. Prior research experience in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife setting is preferred. Proven experience in research methods, advanced statistical analysis and publication in peer-reviewed literature required.


Start date

February 03, 2020

How to Apply

Visit www.stlzoo.org/about/employment or www.hiretrue.com/hiretrue/showJobBoardPositions.do?jobBoardPK=49 and apply online for this position


Contact

david powell
dpowell@stlzoo.org