Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with planning and execution of conservation and biobanking research projects, for biobanking genetics of Southeastern endangered snakes and other species as well as coordinate opportunistic biobanking collections during routine physicals exams and post-mortem rescue of the zoo’s animals.
• Assist with in situ conservation and research efforts, including multi-day trips to Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi to collect samples from wild-collected snakes for biobanking, data curation and processing, etc.
• Assist with ex situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to assisting with captive-breeding, running laboratory assays, training others to collect samples.

Key Responsibilities

Biobanking & Repository Management

• Preserve and catalog diverse biological samples (e.g., tissue, blood, gametes, and cells) from wildlife species.
• Maintain cryopreservation equipment (liquid nitrogen tanks, ultra-low freezers) and manage digital inventory database systems.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control, biosafety protocols, and sample tracking standards.
• Travel with researchers for collection and biobanking samples at other Zoos and facilities

Reproductive Research & Biotechnology

• Assist in assisted reproductive technology (ART) research, including semen collection techniques, semen analysis, gamete processing, and cryopreservation protocols.
• Prepare media, reagents, and specialized equipment for reproductive physiology experiments.
• Support endocrine monitoring initiatives by performing routine fecal hormone extractions and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).
• Monitor and document experimental outcomes with high precision.

Molecular Biology Support

• Perform routine DNA/RNA extractions from a variety of challenging wildlife tissue types.
• Run qPCR/PCR assays for disease screening for heard/colony health monitoring and conservation initiatives

Laboratory Operations & Collaboration

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in coordination with the Lab Manager.
• Work with lab manager to maintian laboratory instrumentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including veterinarians, animal care teams, and external conservation partners.
• Assist with preparations of permit applications and reports.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Mentor students and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

Perform various duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Science, Molecular Biology, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Science or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or professional).
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong record of use and knowledge of reproductive biology techniques (e.g., microscopy, gamete handling)
  • Experience with semen analysis (including CASA, flow cytometry, staining techniques) and cryopreservation technique
  • Experience with basic lab techniques and equipment
  • Familiarity with sterile techniques and basic liquid handling.
• Attributes:
  • Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and a strong commitment to wildlife conservation.
  • Record of effectively communicating conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
  • Proficient in MS office suite and R or other programs for statistical analysis 

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Science, Molecular Biology, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Science or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of reproductive biology techniques (e.g., microscopy, gamete handling).
• Familiarity with computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA).
• Experience with immunoassays and sample extractions.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR/PCR setup

Supervisory Responsibility: Students, interns, and volunteers may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

To Apply:  Submit applications directly to https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers. Applications should include the following:

• Cover letter (2 pages max)
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contacts of three people who can provide letters of recommendation at the time of application submission.

All files should be combined into one single PDF with the file name “BiotechnologyTech_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents”.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions can be directed to Beth Roberts broberts@memphiszoo.org