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Job ID: 262224

Bioacoustics Machine Learning Post Doctoral Associate
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance


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Date Posted Sep. 8, 2025
Title Bioacoustics Machine Learning Post Doctoral Associate
University San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance More About This Institution...
Escondido, CA, United States
Department Population Sustainability
Application Deadline Oct. 6, 2025
Position Start Date Available immediately
 
 
  • Post-Doc
  • Computer/Information Sciences
 
 

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Oversee assigned research projects.
  • Collect, process, and enters research data.
  • Perform experiments and measurements.
  • Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
  • Establish and maintain databases.
  • Document research methodology and results.
  • Prepare progress reports.
  • Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Conservation Technology Lab seeks a postdoctoral associate for a three-year position applying their machine learning expertise to bioacoustics problems in ecology and conservation.

The problems include identifying species in acoustically complex field recordings from passive acoustic recorders for biodiversity monitoring and other ecological studies; improving methods for unsupervised, semi-supervised, and/or active learning-based preparation of such data; evaluating, refining, and designing tools for managing and analyzing data from passive acoustic recorders; helping guide the design of TinyML acoustic models for use in embedded devices; researching classification (in some taxa) to intraspecific class (e.g. chick/juvenile/adult) or, aspirationaly, individual level; and investigating optimal alignment between cutting-edge ML capabilities and the requirements of ecological methods commonly used in conservation.   

The work will make use of existing multi-year datasets and its outputs will contribute to projects across the SDZWA Global Hubs including in the Peruvian Amazon, in Cameroon's Ebo Forest, in the savannas of Kenya, with burrowing owls and other grassland species in the US Southwest, and with polar and panda bears.  

The desired candidate has a doctoral degree in computer science or a related field with a focus in machine learning (ML), with a preference for candidates with experience specifically in applying ML to acoustic data.  An ideal candidate already has experience in bioacoustics and/or passive acoustic monitoring.  Qualified candidates will be strong Python programmers; be highly skilled in the NumPy/SciPy/pandas/scikit-learn toolset; be advanced users of an ML framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow and associated tools connected to audio processing like librosa; and possess in-depth knowledge about contemporary methods in machine learning.  Experience with R is a plus. The selected candidate will work with a diverse group of collaborators within SDZWA and also with our local and global partners, in particular with our faculty collaborators at UCSD and SDSU who specialize in machine learning and bioacoustics. 

JOB EXPERIENCE

  • Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Post Doctorate or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Specialization area preferred. (i.e. population biologist, demography, or genetics)
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
  • Demonstrated ability to work with others in a diverse environment.
  • Knowledge of science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: Escondido, CA
  • Position Type: Three Year, Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Position 
  • Salary Rate: $87,264.80

  • At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

    If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

    As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

    San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.


 
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