The Memphis Zoo is recruiting a one-year, full-time Research Technician focused on data science and biodiversity informatics, with the goal of migrating the Memphis Zoo’s biobank data to Arctos and developing public-facing collections resources. This position will report to the Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan (Sheila) Poo, with a large focus on data from the Zoo’s herp collections. Interested applicants can check out the job ad here: 2026 Data Science & Biodiversity Informatics Research Technician. The deadline to apply is July 10, 2026.
Archives for June 2026
Symposium announcement: Zoos and Aquariums
Zoos and Aquariums: Impacts of Living Collections on Conservation and Research
A Symposium at the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (link)
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Save the Date: Saturday July 11, 2026
The shift in the mission of zoos and aquariums to focus on conservation and research in the last 10–20 years provides a crucial opportunity at this junction to highlight and expand upon the number of studies and types of research that are conducted at these institutions. To build on these efforts, the symposium will highlight the unique and diverse research and conservation projects conducted at zoos and aquariums, both ex situ, with living collections, and in situ using resources and expertise at these institutions. We will cover a wide breadth of topics, including conservation, behavior, and physiology to illustrate the wide range of research done at zoos and aquariums.
This symposium is sponsored by the SSAR, and organized by Sinlan Poo, Anne Sabol, and Jennifer Terry.
Resources for building a safe and inclusive field culture
Are you in the field, or preparing for an upcoming field season? Fieldwork and field courses are often a core part of herpetology, but a successful field season requires looking out for everyone on your team. Because different identities can face unique challenges, risks, and barriers in the field, active management and advance planning can ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all members of the team.
To support leaders and researchers, the SSAR DEI Committee has compiled a list of practical resources to help create safe, inclusive, and accessible field experiences. Before you head out, take a moment to explore the list here!