Research Associate - London

Research Associate Wildlife Veterinarian (Full-Time / 13 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife.

Role Profile

The Institute of Zoology, the research arm of the Zoological Society of London, affiliated to University College London, invites applications for a wildlife veterinarian (Research Associate).  The jobholder will join the Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) team which investigates the impact of interventions, such as conservation translocations, on the health of populations, through disease risk analysis, wildlife disease surveillance, pathological studies and clinical investigations, in partnership with Natural England (and with support from the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species and Pensthorpe Conservation Trust). 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake disease risk analysis and determine parasite complement to prevent the introduction of alien organisms.
• To receive reports of sick and dead wild animals to the DRAHS project and to organise the submission of carcases for post-mortem examination.
• To carry out health examinations and advise on procedures where necessary.
• To carry out pathological investigation, select and arrange follow-up diagnostic tests as may be required, interpret the test results in order to reach a diagnosis of disease and report on the findings.
• To write reports for collaborators and scientific publications
• To communicate with collaborators, including arranging meetings, and represent DRAHS.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Have a veterinary qualification and either:
  • (i) a postgraduate qualification in wild animal health and experience in the veterinary care of captive and/or free-living wild animals, or
  • (ii) prior experience in the veterinary care of captive and /or free-living wild animals.
• The post-holder must be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• A driving license is essential, and a clean driving license would be an advantage.

Demonstration of the following would be advantageous: experience in project management; experience in outreach and public engagement; experience in writing scientific papers and popular science articles; experience of digital media communication (website and social media); an interest in wildlife epidemiology, pathology and conservation of wildlife.

Please Note: The post is available immediately and is for 13 months in the first instance.  There is a possibility that the post will continue. The role will require flexible hours (including some weekend and evening work) and Unsocial and flexible working hours and travel within the United Kingdom will be necessary.

To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.