Bioacoustics Machine Learning Post Doctoral Associate
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Job Number: 7316135 (Ref #: Req# 3661)
- Posting Date: Newly posted
- Salary / Pay Rate: $87,264.80
- Application Deadline: Oct 6, 2025
Job Description
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
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
