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Research Jobs in Zoology

Are you thinking about a research career in zoology? You might have just graduated in the field and are considering doing a PhD, or perhaps you’re already working as a postdoctoral zoology researcher.

Whatever your career stage, here we tell you everything you need to know about this popular research field, routes into zoology research and where your skills and knowledge can take you next.

What do zoology researchers do?

Zoology researchers conduct laboratory and field research into the evolution, features and behaviour of animals. From ants to elephants, they study how species interact with each other and their ecosystem, population dynamics and the effect of environmental damage on animal life.

Researchers in this field carry out individual and collaborative research in higher education, government and public bodies, charities and NGOs and sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and conservation.

Zoology research areas and interests include:

• Evolutionary genetics/genomic/biology
• Conservation biology
• Animal genetics
• Behavioural ecology
• Cell and developmental biology
• Biodiversity
• Biomedical research

If you choose to become a zoology researcher in higher education, your role will involve working in a multidisciplinary team with colleagues from backgrounds in biological, physical and medical sciences.

Depending on your expertise, you could be working on anything from studying the transmission of avian flu in seabirds to understanding evolution through paleozoology (fossil remains). You will most likely work in a laboratory setting, where you will observe animals and insects, carry out testing and analyse findings. The role might also involve fieldwork research, where you would observe species in their natural habitats anywhere in the world. Most zoology research jobs involve the following day-to-day activities:

• Designing experiments and analysing samples in a laboratory.
• Carrying out field research and sample collection.
• Gathering and interpreting data.
• Writing reports, scientific articles and research outcomes.
• Collaborating with colleagues to compile funding proposals.
• Attending conferences, knowledge exchange forums and events related to your project.
• Liaising with external stakeholders, conservation and policymaking organisations.
• Managing a team of researchers and technicians (senior zoology research roles).
• Carrying out ad hoc teaching and demonstrations to students at all levels.

How to Become a Zoology Researcher

To work as a zoology researcher, you will generally need to have completed a PhD or be near completion. The area you focus on during doctoral studies will influence the type of role you apply for, as your expertise would need to align with the objectives of a particular project or programme.

Postdoctoral research jobs in zoology generally require the following qualifications, experience and knowledge.

Essential qualifications

• An undergraduate degree and/or Master’s in zoology or other relevant biological science.
• A PhD in zoology or related area. If you have not completed your PhD yet, take a look at our current Zoology PhD Studentships .

Experience and knowledge

If you’re applying for your first postdoctoral post, you will need previous research experience – most likely gained during your PhD – in an area which aligns with the project. More senior research roles would require a wide range of postdoctoral experience plus evidence of published outcomes.

For all biological sciences research jobs, you would need high-level laboratory skills and the ability to use cutting-edge equipment. Knowledge of and skills in computational biology, computer vision, machine learning and multilevel modelling may also be required.

What’s the pay?

A postdoctoral research associate/fellow in zoology can expect a salary in the range of £38,200 to £44,100 p.a. Senior research associates/fellows can expect between £44,263 to £54,395 p.a., depending on the project.

What can it lead to?

On gaining several years of postdoctoral experience, you could apply for senior research fellowships or choose to combine your research with teaching in a lecturing role.

Alternatively, you might decide to work as a senior research scientist in a non-university setting , such as a conservation charity, research institute or in industry. Promotion to senior research positions depends on successful research outcomes and your ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Where can I find jobs?

Zoology research offers a wide range of career opportunities for doctoral students, postdocs and senior researchers in a variety of settings worldwide. However, it’s a popular field and competition for jobs can be high.

You will find higher availability of jobs in areas such as conservation, ecology, biomedical science and disease prevention/treatment (such as studying and treating zoonotic diseases or parasitological diseases like malaria).

Most academic research posts are funding-dependent and offered on a fixed-term contract basis, so you may find you will need to move from post to post as a researcher. Zoological research is supported by a network of funding sources and universities often partner with external organisations and industry to complete a project.

To find out more about the types of zoology research currently receiving funding in the UK, visit UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) , or take a look at the impact of previous and ongoing research on the Research Excellence Framework’s impact case study database.

The best place to start your search for a zoology research job or PhD Studentship is here at jobs.ac.uk . We’re the largest jobs board in the field for academic research jobs and you’ll also find a wealth of tips, advice and guidance on how to progress your research career.

Find Zoology Research Jobs here

Zoology Jobs Profile

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Do you want to pursue a Zoo Career?

The zoo industry is full of exciting careers to pursue, such as animal and veterinary care, education, conservation,  and research. If you are unsure what path is the right for you, have a look at the BIAZA Careers Guide  and at AZA's list of types of zoo jobs . 

Photo: Dallas Zoo

What to study?

Depending on the country, there are different education paths you can pursue if you are interested in working in a zoo. Biology, Zoology, Veterinary Science, Animal Behaviour & Welfare are all relevant subjects for a zoo job.

However, some countries offer very specific courses on the subject. You might be interested in studying one of these if you want to have a zoo specific education.

Aspiring zoo scientist?

5 Tips to Help You Getting Into a Zoo Science Career

Job Vacancies Zoo Research & Conservation

Wildlife Conservation Field Technician Audubon Nature Institute (United States)

Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Field Technician to assist with field conservation programs. The primary goals of this position are to support work with population recovery of federally-listed Dusky Gopher Frogs (Lithobates sevosus), and to understand conservation impacts of the emerging infectious disease known as Amphibian Perkinsea, which can cause mortality in gopher frog tadpoles and lead to mass mortality events. Under the direction of the Director of Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will assist Audubon Zoo and a team of collaborators in conducting field surveys for Dusky Gopher Frog tadpoles and co-occuring tadpole species across southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. This is a seasonal, full time position that runs November 1, 2024-June 31, 2025.

The Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will be responsible for conducting tadpole and pathogen surveys in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, across the historic range of the Dusky Gopher Frog. Specific tasks will include eDNA sampling for amphibian pathogens, tadpole swabbing for amphibian pathogens, visual encounter surveys for tadpoles, and time constrained surveys for tadpoles. Depending on project progress, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician may assist with other field conservation programs of the Audubon Nature Institute. 

Conservation and Science Technician - Animal Behavior Walt Disney (United States)

Join us as part of a dynamic team and science-based culture where our mission is to Lead The Walt Disney Company to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources.

As the Conservation and Science Technician focusing on animal behavior, you will support, assist and provide technical expertise to implement animal care and conservation programs, science-based practice, novel research, and outreach at Walt Disney’s Parks & Resorts.

In this role, you will contribute to the collection, interpretation and summarization of animal behavior data to support animal husbandry, health, welfare and conservation. This hourly role is an integral part of the Conservation and Science teams.

In this role, you will report to the Animal Behavior Science Manager.

What You Will Do

Conduct various aspects of scientific monitoring with a primary focus on collecting animal behavior data via in person observations and video recordings to optimize animal well-being

Collect, process and visualize data; produces reports or presentations with visual appeal and clarity for partners; reviews videos; conducts literature searches; and maintains databases and archival tools

Provide support for meetings, classes, and workshops and supplies findings for staff seminars, team meetings, scientific journals, conference presentations, popular publications, and social media

Develop and update standard operating guidelines, and provides technical support, organization and maintenance for equipment and safe work spaces, and ensuring hazardous waste compliance

Order and distribute supplies, maintains inventory and assists with quality assurance

Provide flexibility across Science Operations and Conservation teams and other science and conservation working groups to support operational and strategic goals

Support communication efforts, helps creates original content and interactive, interpretive experiences, and engages regularly with Guests and other audiences to share our stories

Support external partnerships to advance conservation, research, and public engagement

Sustainability Manager Chester Zoo (United Kingdom)

We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Sustainability Manager. Reporting to the Head of Sustainability, with the support of the Executive, Senior Management team and Board of Trustees, you will:

manage Chester Zoo’s programme of sustainability initiatives in line with its Sustainability Policy and working with colleagues to develop procedural guidance, associated action plans and deliver projects, in support of the sustainability targets:

- To be carbon net zero in scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 - Towards a zero waste operation by 2030 - Procurement of deforestation free commodities in all major supply chains - Achieve net gain for UK biodiversity, with at least 30% of zoo owned land managed for UK biodiversity by 2030

develop, manage and drive initiatives for environmental sustainability throughout the organisation. This includes the promotion of carbon management and energy reduction/efficiency activities, initiatives to improve waste management, the development of sustainable procurement practices and identifying and preparing bids for external funding opportunities, where available.

provide specialist, technical expertise to support embedding sustainability across the organisation, enabling Chester Zoo to improve its sustainability performance across all its activities and to address sustainability matters through consultation and communications with stakeholders.

deliver reliable data on sustainability in support of agreed targets and in line with external reporting requirements.

Deadline: September 5

Program Assistant, Conservation Association of Zoos and Aquariums (United States)

Under general supervision, assists the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA’s) conservation and science-related activities. Responsibilities include: maintaining and utilizing departmental databases, providing administrative support for AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction and other conservation and science programs, assisting with the administration of AZA’s grant programs, preparing and editing reports and updates for publication, and preparing and giving presentations. Position will communicate with, and provide excellent member services to AZA members, AZA committees, SAFE species programs, and the general public; and will complete general clerical duties as needed. Reports to the Vice President of Conservation and Science.

Research Scientist - Whale Sharks & Manta Rays Georgia Aquarium (United States)

The Research Scientist will help develop robust whale shark and manta ray research and conservation initiatives for Georgia Aquarium’s IUCN Center for Species Survival (CSS). We seek a researcher with the ability to develop and manage a research program that adheres to the priorities of the aquarium and regularly publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals. This position also serves as an institutional resource for content and communications to advance appropriate science messages through the aquarium’s many outreach channels.

Associate Curator of Social Science North Carolina Zoo (United States)

The North Carolina Zoo seeks a dynamic, motivated and progressive individual to serve as the Associate Curator of Social Science within the Zoos’ Conservation, Education and Science (CES) program. The Associate Curator provides managerial, technical and administrative support for conservation and education programs.  The Associate Curator of Social Science works closely with the Curator of Conservation and Research to ensure objectives of existing field projects are implemented and evaluated and works on international projects independently. The position also has responsibility for overseeing the Zoo’s community-based conservation initiative in Uganda. Position will also lead evaluation efforts related to existing education programs. The position has some responsibility for fundraising (both through grant applications and working with the North Carolina Zoological Society) and for communications outreach (website content, social media, and publishing report on zoo’s conservation program) in support of the Conservation Program in collaboration with Education, Marketing, and Animal staff.  Work is performed with considerable independence under the general guidance of the Director of Conservation, Education and Science. Position requires ability to travel on Zoo business and work flexible hours including occasional weekends.

Post Doctoral Fellow Ex/In Situ Louisiana Pinesnake Conservation Memphis Zoo (United States)

The purpose of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship is to broaden the Memphis Zoo’s progress towards its top-tier wildlife conservation priorities. The Fellow’s responsibility is to develop new research projects and nurture existing conservation-oriented partnerships within the current framework of funded USFWS Recovery Grant Proposal objectives— that include activities in physiology, molecular, disease, and field ecology research techniques to foster and improve Louisiana pinesnake population recovery in the wild.

More zoo jobs:

Invertebrate Zoology

As of April 01, 2022 the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. While the exhibition spaces and collections will be open, we are currently working through a backlog of requests from the past 2 years.  Access to the Invertebrate Zoology collections, through loans or in-person visits, is only available on a case by case basis.   Please note that due to limited staff availability and a high volume of requests, we may not be able to accommodate your request or it may be postponed to a later date. Our Collections Management team will review and work with you directly about specific details and expected timeline. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this transitionary period. 

Pettibone Legacy Project

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Our collection of over 50 million specimens are available for scientific research. Use the links below to request a loan of specimens, donate specimens to our collections, or schedule a visit.

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Specimen loans, donate specimens, destructive sampling policy and procedure.

Our Experts

Our curators offer a wealth of expertise in invertebrate research

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Jessica Ware

Division chair, principal investigator, institute for comparative genomics, professor, richard gilder graduate school.

For loan and visitation requests, please complete the Loan/Visitation Request Form . Please submit visitation requests at least two weeks prior to your anticipated arrival date.

Donors, please refer to the  Invertebrate Zoology policies  regarding the deposition of material.

Curator-in-Charge : Dr. Jessica Ware ( [email protected] )

Collections Assistant : Ruth Salas

Curatorial Assistant: Brittney Hahn

2001, Bachelor of Science, University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology

2008, Doctor of Philosophy, Rutgers University, Department of Entomology

Research Interests

Jessica Ware is an Associate Curator and the current Division Chair in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Ware’s research focuses on the evolution of behavioral and physiological adaptations in insects, with an emphasis on how these occur in Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) and Dictyoptera (termites, cockroaches and mantises). Her research group focuses on phylogenetics/phylogenomics and uses these tools to inform their work on reproductive, social and flight behaviors in insects.

Jessica holds a BSc from the University of British Columbia in Canada, and a PhD from Rutgers, New Brunswick. She was an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the AMNH 2008-2010, before being hired at Rutgers Newark where she was an associate professor of evolutionary biology. She is the current president of the Worldwide Dragonfly Association, and serves as an elected board member on the executive committee of the Entomological Society of America Governing Board. She was recently awarded a PECASE medal from the US government for her work on insect evolution.

Postdocs: Dr. Manpreet Kohli, Dr. Lacie Newton, Dr. Laura Gonzalez

Students: Anna Eichert, Aaron Goodman, Rin Krichilsky, Salk 'Tuwa Mafla, Rebecca Jean Millena, Ethan Tolman, Rhema Uche Dike

World Dragonfly Association

Entomological Society of America

Publications

View all publications.

Teaching Experience

Professor, Richard Gilder Graduate School (2020-present)

Adjunct Professor, City College of New York (2020-present)

Professor, Rutgers University, Newark (2010-2019)

1. Jayshree Patel (Master’s student, Rutgers Newark; transferred to U Florida) 

2. Melissa Sanchez Herrera (PhD student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2016) 

3. Manpreet Kohli (Master’s student, NJIT, Defended Summer 2012) 

4. Manpreet Kohli (PhD student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2019, now Postdoc)

5. Dominic Evangelista (PhD student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2016) 

6. Will Kuhn (PhD student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2016)

7. Daniel Awari (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2012)

8. Jay Jeswal (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2013) 

9. John Deyrup (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2013)

10. Dan Troast (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Spring 2016)

11. Megan Wilson (PhD Student, Rutgers Newark, ongoing)

12. Denise Geramello (PhD Student, Rutgers New Brunswick, Defended Spring 2019)

13. Veronica Williamson (MSc Student, Rutgers New Brunswick; left program)

14. Laura Gonzalez (PhD student, Rutgers New Brunswick, now Postdoc)

15. Nene Ugbah (PhD Student, Rutgers Newark; left program)

16. Stephanie Mafla Mills (PhD Student, Rutgers Newark, ongoing)

17. Jack Kellogg (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, Defended Fall 2019)

18. Anna Eichert (Student)

19. Aaron Goodman (Student)

20. Rin Krichilsky (Student)

21. Slak 'Tuwa Mafla (Student)

22. Rebecca Jean Millena (Student)

23. Ethan Tolman (Student)

24. Rhema Uche Dike (Student)

Committee Member

1. Anna Runemark (PhD student, Lund University, Sweden, 2012) 

2. Caroline Devan (Ph. D student, Rutgers Newark, 2015) 

3. Amanda Purwar (Ph.D. student, Rutgers New Brunswick, 2015) 

4. Gyanpriya Maharaj (PhD student, University of S. Missouri, 2016)

5. Anthony Brusa (Ph.D. student, Rutgers, Newark, 2015) 

6. Tingmin Wu (Ms. Student, Rutgers Newark, 2011) 

7. John Francois (PhD student, Rutgers Newark,2014)

8. Nathalie Johannsson (Undergraduate Baccalaureate, Halmstad University, Sweden, 2014)

9. Anna Deichman (Undergraduate  Baccalaureate, Mainz University, Germany, 2015)

10. Elenor Nordvisk (Undergraduate Baccalaureate, Halmstad University, Sweden, 2015)

11. Julian Rondon (Ph.D student, Rutgers Newark, ongoing) 

12. Sahil Wadhwa, (Ph.D student, Rutgers Newark, 2017)

13. Courtney Rockenbach (Ph.D student, Rutgers Newark, ongoing)

14. Rebecca Panko (Ph.D student, Rutgers Newark, ongoing)

15. Sean Fan (Ph.D student, NJIT, ongoing)

Principal Investigator

Jasper Rine

Graduate Students

Technicians

Alumni (with current positions)

Undergraduate students (last known position), technicians and research scientists.

Alumni - if your info has changed from what is listed above, we'd love to hear from you!

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LAB RESEARCH ANALYST I

Durham, NC, US, 27710

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Occupational Summary 

Under the direction of the principal investigator will be expected to assist with various projects in the lab through conducting fundamental gene and protein expression analysis, cell culture, tissue collection, immunochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and tissue morphometric analysis. Responsible setting up, conducting, and assisting in mouse surgeries and physiology experiments. Responsible for maintenance of laboratory equipment, training of lab personnel for fundamental skills needed to perform various projects, and cleanliness of the lab. In support of various projects expected to conduct data quantification and preparation of, graphs, charts, and figures for scientific publication. 

Expected to maintain database for raw data and organize/prepare data for analysis by the principal investigator. Assist with performing small and short-term basic experiments and completing individual parts of an overall large experiment/project. Responsible for the maintenance, management of associated paperwork, and ordering of sufficient inventory of material, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties and laboratory projects. Responsible for awareness and implementation of laboratory safety procedures along with the making of; stock solutions, culture media, chemicals, and reagents. Will assist with mouse colony management including breeding, genotyping, organization of multiple transgenic mouse colonies with appropriate software, and maintaining mice for experiments. Previous experience particularly with mice preferred. Previous experience with/or willingness to learn muscle physiology desired. Ability to work in a department and lab team and environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential. 

Typical Assignments and Responsibilities (see percentages below) 

In accordance with broadly outlined objectives, requirements, and approaches, will set-up and conduct technical procedures, non-routine and complex in nature. Sets up and operates state-of-the-art equipment or instruments. With latitude for modifying methods and techniques, will analyze data, prepare reports, present data at laboratory meetings, ensure appropriate documentation of work and experiments, and make recommendations. Directly report to the principal investigator through scheduled mandatory meetings. Will be responsible for ordering laboratory supplies and interacting with vendors. Will organize and manage mouse colonies. Will work with computers, scientific software, Excel, Word, etc. 

ESSENTIAL TASKS 

40% Mouse surgeries, physiology, microscopy, gene expression, cell transplants, cell culture, and cell signaling analysis. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, to set-up and perform standard mouse experiments such as tissue injuries, injections, muscle physiology, cell engraftments, radiation treatments, muscle physiology, and gene expression analysis. Perform or assist with tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, immunochemistry, cell culture, and other cell biological and physiological experiments. 

30%Research Analysis, Presentation, Searches. Analyze and present findings to PIand in laboratory meetings. Develop graphs, charts, and figures for scientific publication. Design research projects or subprojects, assist with grant proposal writing, draft animal, transgenic breeding, or related regulatory protocols following specified formats. Prepare written reports, contribute to the design and interpretation of research results, and assist with the final writing of research publications to meet the expectations of co-authorship of scientific publications. 

20% General laboratory maintenance. Order supplies and work closely with departmental administrative office staff on purchasing and account issues. Prepare common reagents, train other laboratory workers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in fundamental laboratory techniques and equipment use. Provide support and technical assistance on experimental problems that may arise during their experiments. Maintain functionality of lab equipment, as well as the overall organization of the lab, and comply with all institutional laboratory safety procedures. Maintain careful laboratory notebooks, organize raw data, analyze data, and assist with the implementation of new protocols. Interviews and trains laboratory personnel and rotating graduate students on laboratory and departmental-shared equipment and laboratory procedures. May supervise and evaluate the work of other laboratory personnel. Advises laboratory personnel on technical issues, problem solving, or as issues arise. Develop and install operating procedures for the laboratory, operate complex equipment. 

10% Maintenance of mouse colonies. Assist in the maintenance and breeding of wild-type and transgenic mice relevant to specific projects with appropriate software. Responsibilities include generation of ear punches and tail snips, maintaining breeding records with appropriate software and setting up weekly breeding schedules. Responsibilities include PCR analysis of genomic DNA obtained from ear punches and tail snips, as well as detailed record-keeping of mouse genotypes in laboratory database. 

Non-essential tasks: Not Applicable 

Position Requirements 

· Associate's degree in appropriate discipline plus 2-3 years specialized experience in related field; B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, or other appropriate discipline strongly preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness and ability to work with mice is required. 

· Strong computer skills, including experience with scientific software, Excel, Word, etc. 

· Ability to work in a lab team environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential. 

· Ability to work with minimal supervision once trained and to listen to, convey, and exchange information with other laboratory personnel. 

· Requires the use of eyes, hands, and fingers with skill and the ability to perform mathematical calculations using algebra and practically apply percentages, fractions, and ratios. 

· Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal; follow instructions; and record information accurately. 

· Must have excellent interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail. 

· This position may entail prolonged periods of standing and walking and requires the safe use of toxic chemicals. 

· License/Certification Required: Institutional certification for laboratory personnel (e.g., laboratory safety training, vivarium, etc.) 

· Annual renewal of grant-funded positions are dependent on the viability of funding. 

CONTACTS: Daily interactions with Principal Investigator as well as other administrative and laboratory staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Work requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Duke is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.

Research in 60 Seconds: Using Tech to Improve Readability

Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the  Research in 60 Seconds series , student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.

Name:  Ben Sawyer

Position(s):  Associate professor of industrial engineering and director of The Readability Consortium

Why are you interested in this research? My mother was a children’s librarian focused on building collections, and my father was a high school teacher, and then a professor of education. My own early work was focused on attention and distraction, and I became fascinated by how people get information out of machine systems, and into their minds. My present research centers around human performance in reading: how can we best move information into your awareness, so you can do something with it.

Who inspires you to conduct your research? I’m inspired by people working hard to understand [information, including] children, soldiers, analysts, physicians, and older adults all looking to find the information they need to get them to their goal and keep them safe on the way. My father worked with children with dyslexia, and it’s amazing how much parity I see between the struggles of those kids and the struggle of a physician trying to move through a 60-year medical history in a clunky interface in time to make a good decision for an anxious patient. I’m inspired by that struggle, which all of us face to a greater degree every day.

How does UCF empower you to do your research? UCF provides access to a brilliant community of students and collaborators. Industrial engineering is a friendly and collaborative faculty. I’ve met so many fascinating students in my classes and have been privileged to have some of them join my research group. I have graduated a few of these as scientists and engineers. I love the diversity at UCF: people from every imaginable walk of life are on this campus, and the perspectives they bring to this research make it possible. Moreover, I like the people I get to work with, and I wake up every day happy to see them and excited to move our work forward. I feel very lucky in this.

What major grants and honors have you earned to support your research? My readability research is primarily funded by industry. The consortium’s founding members Adobe and nonprofit Readability Matters provided the initial foundation for a community that now notably includes Google and Monotype. We also are beginning to work with these companies to attract state funding directly, including a 2023-24 $1 million appropriation from the State of Florida.

Why is this research important? Billions of readers have too much to read. The information age is only as miraculous as our individual abilities to access infinite information. The written word, one of the great engineering accomplishments of human history, was literally developed on reeds and animal hide. This research is founded in the idea that writing and reading, is due for an update. Rebuilding the written word to help humans of the information age is also an opportunity for languages that have not benefited so strongly from the digital revolution. Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali and other scripts are underserved by modern Latin alphabet centered digital infrastructure but are receiving large investments as billions of these readers move online. Our readability research provides an opportunity to build equity in these languages, while working from evidence-based first principles of readability.

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