Team: Indigenous Relations
Rate of Pay: $60,000 per year
Category: Career Pathways Program
Duration: Starting ASAP, 2 years (Non-Permanent)
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week
Number of Positions Open: 1
Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.
Apply Online by September 24, 2026.
Position Purpose: The Postdoctoral Fellow, Wildlife Science is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing investigative research and communication related to a defined research project in a subject of interest to the TZ Science Teams (Reproductive, Veterinary, Welfare, Nutrition, and Species Recovery Sciences). This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.
Scope of Work: The Toronto Zoo invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow interested in a dedicated research project to assist the Zoo in developing an ethical framework for Indigenous partnerships as part of the governance framework for the National Wildlife Cryobank.
The post-doctoral fellow will work closely with the Zoo’s Director of Indigenous Relations, Chief Science Officer and other staff as needed. The fellow will also be informally supported by an experienced inter-disciplinary circle of project-affiliated supervisors outside the Zoo who will provide additional intellectual/academic guidance and general research support as may be required through the post-doctoral fellowship experience.
Research Focus: Given the transdisciplinary and public -facing nature of this initiative, the post-doctoral fellow is expected to have exceptional research and communication skills. Their capacity to undertake planning, organizing, implementing and sharing investigative research that spans a range of disciplines, potentially including Indigenous studies, Indigenous law, Indigenous governance and co-governance arrangements; data sovereignty; applied intercultural ethics; wildlife conservation; and cryobanking will be invaluable. Curiosity and ability to listen, learn and adjust within a fluid multidisciplinary environment will be an asset.
Expectations from this post-doctoral fellowship include in-depth research, a jurisdictional scan, exploration and development of an Indigenous engagement strategy, potential governance models including data sovereignty, access and benefit sharing principles, and considerations of intellectual property rights relating to Indigenous knowledge systems in the context of conservation cryobanking.
The research will provide key inputs into the National Wildlife Cryobank’s governance framework, which will consider the following elements:
- Foundational values and principles in establishing ethical relationships and partnerships with First Nations and Indigenous communities.
- Approaches and protocols for engaging First Nations and Indigenous communities in the National Wildlife Cryobank Project.
- Indigenous representation and integration of Indigenous knowledge systems in the cryobank’s governance framework.
- Considerations for data sovereignty of stored samples, including the application of OCAP™ principles and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance.
- Guidelines for Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements, in compliance with the Nagoya Protocol and any existing Indigenous-led initiatives or models.
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations, Inuit or Metis candidates or candidates with verifiable direct experience conducting Indigenous-related research and working closely and respectfully with Indigenous communities.
Core Role Responsibilities:
- Oversight of a defined research project, including grant writing, experimental design, data collection, partner communication, student training, and related tasks.
- Oversees grant/donor funding reports and ensures proper use of financial resources to carry out research investigations.
- Liaises with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations, and Wildlife Science teams as required to implement research project objectives.
- Develops and strengthens existing liaisons with Indigenous communities and organizations, academic, governmental and similar organizations as related to the research project.
- Supervises and/or oversees training of students assigned to the same project, including graduate and undergraduate students.
- Communicates results of research project to Indigenous communities, governments and organizations, Zoo staff, volunteers, and the public, and interacts with the media as a subject matter resource as needed.
- Publishes research data in academic journals and conference proceedings.
- Provides updates of activities for board and annual reports.
- Actively seeks external funding for research project, in consultation with Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy staff, as appropriate.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
- Must possess a PhD (preferably no more than 2 years post-graduation) from a recognized institution in one of the following disciplines: Indigenous studies, Indigenous law, Indigenous governance and co-governance arrangements; data sovereignty; applied intercultural ethics.
- Specific interest and research experience with applying one of these disciplines to wildlife conservation and/or conservation cryobanking is an asset.
- Curiosity and ability to listen, learn and adjust within a fluid multidisciplinary environment will be an asset.
- Must have research experience with techniques related to the Science Team functions.
- Must have demonstrated ability to publish results in peer reviewed journals and obtain external funding.
- Ability to prepare research papers, reports and give formal presentation to groups and individuals.
- Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems, including Microsoft Office 365.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills, including excellent writing skills and the ability to speak confidently in public.
- Must have a working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation.
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.
Your Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.
Your Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.
Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.
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