Skip to main content
BE YOU. BE HERE. BE PART OF THE STORY.

Science Fellow: Animal Physiology (Project Hire)

Job ID 10118905 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted May 29, 2025
Apply Now

Job Summary:

Be part of the dynamic and innovative Science Operations team where we are part of a broader mission to Lead Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature, and Conserve our natural resources.

As the Science Fellow – Animal Physiology Project Hire, you will assist the Science Operations team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge® with operational and strategic projects related to animal physiology and welfare. You will collaborate with partners within the Science Operations team and Animal Husbandry teams to complete these science-based projects.

This one-year project hire role, with option to renew for an additional year, will report to the Animal Welfare Science Manager.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design, implementation, and completion of scientific projects focused on understanding animal physiology in the context of applied animal care and wellbeing. Project assignments will be based on applicant experience and team needs but may include
    • Expanding techniques for assessing hormonal and reproductive status in various species (e.g., elephants, rhinos)
    • Facilitating collaborative projects on the physiology of understudied species (e.g., manatees) using a variety of animal sample types
    • Developing novel methods and tools to assess animal physiology (e.g., chemiluminescence immunoassay, liquid chromatography)
    • Advancing departmental biobanking initiatives for scientific, conservation, and clinical applications
  • Support the continuation of ongoing operational projects. Project assignments will be based on applicant experience and team needs but may include
    • Measuring hormones in various exotic animal species to assess physiology such as pregnancy, effective contraception, and positive well-being as part of our animals’ comprehensive wellness program.  
    • Analyzing data and presenting animal hormone and behavior information to science and animal husbandry and health partners to help with animal management decisions.  
    • Maintaining Disney’s standard operating guidelines for lab safety and provide daily technical support for maintenance of assays and equipment in the Disney Science Center Lab.   
  • Contribute to building scientific capacity for Animals, Science and Environment Cast.
  • Share team projects and stories with Disney Guests.
  • Contribute to the development of interactive and interpretive science experiences for Disney Guests.
  • Communicate project findings in partner/team meetings and scientific/popular publications.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of one year of non-classroom research laboratory experience in established scientific research program  
  • Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills for both formal and informal audiences of all ages  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented atmosphere, and in view of the public  
  • Enthusiasm for animal conservation and care in zoos  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience with enzyme immunoassays or chemiluminescence immunoassays, HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), and associated data analysis; advanced understanding of applied organic and inorganic chemistry  
  • Experience working in zoos/aquariums

Required Education:

  • M.S. in biology, physiology, animal science, endocrinology, biochemistry, or related field  

Additional Information

  • Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life! This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

#li-jh6

#DXMEDIA

Apply Now

About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.

Related Jobs

OUR CULTURE

Related Content

  • Executive Leadership

    Our senior executives bring tremendous experience, visionary thinking and a shared commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation to the day to day operation of the company.

    Learn more 

  • Social Responsibility

    Explore our commitments and our work to create a better world through our stories, experiences, operations, and philanthropy.

    Learn more 

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    At Disney, we are committed to creating a better world. A world of belonging where each person feels seen, heard, and understood. A world filled with hope and promise.

    Learn more 

  • Heroes Work Here

    Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

    Learn more 

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.

Watch Our Jobs

An asterisk indicates a required field.

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Select a location from the list of options. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy. If I have elected to receive marketing messages or newsletters, I may withdraw my consent for these marketing messages at any time.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy, Cookies Policy and EU Privacy Rights.

How we use your personal information and your rights:

  1. Your personal information is controlled by The Walt Disney Company Limited of 3 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9PE, United Kingdom.
  2. When you visit or shop with Disney or use any Disney product, service or mobile application, other members of The Walt Disney Company Family of Companies may also use your information to provide you these services, personalise your experience and send you service related updates and communications.
  3. You have a number of rights including the right to request access to, change, or remove your personal information, or to change your marketing preferences (including withdrawing your consent at any time.) Please see our Privacy Policy to learn more about managing your marketing preferences or deleting your account.
  4. Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by emailing: dataprotection@disney.co.uk.
  5. You have a right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/.
  6. For more information about Disney's data collection and use practices please read Disney's Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy and Collection Statement.

For more information about our general data collection, use, and practices, including how to manage your preferences, please read our Privacy Policy. I have read and agree to the Terms of Use.