Overview

Research Officer

Chester Zoo supports 150 research projects, provides conservation training to 50 post-graduate students and supports 70 external researchers and students with their research projects, both within the zoo and worldwide annually. This exciting role will take responsibility for managing Chester Zoo’s scientific and ethical project review processes, provide effective project management and research support to our funded research projects and report on science and training outputs to facilitate evidence-based management to underpin our conservation initiatives.

The Role – Research Officer

This is a key role working as part of our professional team taking responsibility for the brief explanation of role and responsibilities.

As a Research Officer you will:

Manage the scientific and ethical research review and approval process, for internal and external staff and clients. Where agreed, facilitate access to the zoo for research purposes and coordinate logistics and effective resourcing.
·       Ensure projects and processes are compliant with internal and external scientific and ethical policies and follow the guidance from relevant national and international legal and governing bodies of authority.

Provide and deliver a mechanism to monitor the progress of funded research projects (contracts, project approvals, milestones, reporting and funding), from conception through delivery to dissemination.
Contribute to Chester Zoo conservation strategies by supporting and coordinating the development of a system to monitor science performance, credibility and impact.
Contribute to the wider activities of Science Department by delivering occasional lectures and training, supporting with research projects and disseminating Chester Zoo research for internal and external communications.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.

The Package

·       Permanent position in the Science Department, but collaborating with teams across the zoo.

·       40 hours per week, generally Mon-Fri

·       33 days annual leave

·       Salary of £27,378.50 (this includes our 2022 pay award which is effective from 1 January 2022)

·       Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends

·       Access to healthcare plan

·       Employer contributory pension scheme

Our Requirements – Research Officer

·     A MSc plus a minimum of 3 years research experience in an applied conservation science

·     Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications to stakeholders at all levels

·     Evidence of project management and reporting of project outputs

·     Ability to focus on detail and accuracy is essential

·     Demonstrated ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver projects on time and to a high standard

·     Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment

·      Sound working knowledge of computer software systems and databases eg Microsoft Office Suite, specifically experience using Microsoft Excel

·     A strong commitment to animal health and well-being and to conservation

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

·     A working understanding of higher education structures, processes and procedures.

·     Evidence of student supervision and training

·     Understanding of peer-reviewed publications process

·     Knowledge and experience of zoo-based research and zoo operations

More About Us

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.