Overview

Permanent– Part Time

We are Chester Zoo, and for nearly 90 years, we have been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Conservation Scientist to join our Science team on a part time basis.

The role:

  • Contribute to an effective and efficient Population Biology Service and Research Programme, to internal and external staff and clients, ensuring timely advice based on collation and analysis of scientific data and/or sound scientific knowledge about population biology, which contributes towards optimising the impact of Chester Zoo’s science, conservation and educational activities.
  • In consultation with the Lead Conservation Scientist advise on how to maximise or improve population health both in situ and ex situ to ensure the greatest conservation impact of Chester Zoo activities and make effective recommendations and devise appropriate mitigations for prioritized cases of concern.
  • Ensure the Population Biology Service and Research Programme is cost-effective.
  • In consultation with the Lead Conservation Scientist provide professional support through training and consultancy to the society’s Science, Animal & Plant, Conservation Education & Engagement and Field Programmes teams, both within and outside the zoo, and promote best practice in population biology.
  • Participate in scientific conferences and professional associations, and produce publications to ensure that our conservation and educational activities, both in the zoo and globally, achieve the greatest impact.
  • In consultation with the Lead Conservation Scientist, progress our understanding of population biology, through targeted, collaborative research and problem-solving in line with the society’s values and needs, to attract and gain the respect of national/international key partners to ensure that our conservation and educational activities both in the zoo and globally achieve the greatest impact.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A Masters in conservation biology (or equivalent experience)
  • A strong commitment to the value of applied research to support population biology and conservation.
  • Evidence of effective academic student supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver projects on time and to a high standard
  • Ability to establish credibility, command respect and influence at a variety of levels.
  • Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing and media communications to stakeholders at all levels
  • Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
  • Experience with complex statistical analysis relevant to the field
  • Evidence of peer-reviewed publications is desirable
  • Knowledge and experience of zoo-based research and zoo operations is desirable
  • Laboratory experience to include advanced techniques in using molecular tools to infer population health and genetic viability is desirable
  • Experience working in developing countries and working with various cultures is desirable

The hours of work are 20 per week, worked flexibly.

The salary for this role is £26,516.71 per annum (£13,258.36 pro rata). In addition, we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Part Time Conservation Scientist – Behaviour and Welfare role.

Closing date for applications is 8th October 2021.

Interviews will take place on w/c 25th October 2021.