Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Hainan Gibbon Project

ZSL is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to work on a long-term project funded by the Arcus Foundation entitled “Building a Future for the Hainan gibbon”. The Hainan gibbon is the world's rarest primate, with only a single Critically Endangered population of c.45 individuals still surviving in one forest area in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, Hainan, China. There is an urgent need for evidence-based research to understand the status and ecological requirements of this population, and for the identification of appropriate management and recovery strategies based on best-practice conservation science.

The project provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to play a key role in the conservation of a Critically Endangered species, by conducting novel scientific research and by providing direct support and coordination of activities aiming to recover this tiny population. The PDRA will establish a new scientific baseline on the patterns and factors underpinning Hainan gibbon landscape and habitat use; the species’ population dynamics (including new group formation); its response and resilience to environmental change; and ecological scenarios that can promote gibbon recovery. There will also be potential to engage with other conservation research activities in Hainan.

The PDRA will also provide training and support for collaborating researchers and students at Hainan University and other Chinese institutions, and will engage with conservation decision-makers to ensure that scientific findings are used to guide evidence-based conservation planning (e.g., provide recommendations for habitat restoration). This work will form a key component of wider efforts to raise awareness about Hainan gibbon conservation, and to coordinate knowledge and expertise between stakeholders involved with gibbon conservation in China and elsewhere across Asia. This is a two-year fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension. This is a hybrid role based at London Zoo, with potential for extended periods spent in China.

Key responsibilities:

• Spatial and ecological analyses of existing datasets compiled by project partners in Hainan (monitoring data for gibbon groups and individuals, vegetation data, canopy camera trap data).
• Lead on writing and submission of scientific papers, as well as technical documents and reports as required.
• Training and supervision of students in the UK and/or China.
• Share and explain project findings with policy-makers in China (e.g. governing authorities).
• Further dissemination of project results, e.g. through presentations at academic and conservation conferences, media and public engagement.
• Support or coordination of conservation activities associated with the project in China and internationally, including capacity building, co-organizing conservation meetings and workshops, policy advocacy, and/or public outreach.
• Grant applications for additional project activities.

About You:

• PhD in conservation biology, population ecology, landscape ecology or similar.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills in relevant ecological areas.
• Good knowledge of Ecology and conservation of threatened species.
• Understanding of key issues in conservation in Asia.
• Experience of working with statistical analysis software packages.
• Ability to spend extended periods of time independently outside the UK, within different working environments and cultures.
• Basic Mandarin Chinese language skills are desirable, or a strong motivation to learn.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination.

About Us:

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. 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.

What do we offer?

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
• Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) - The contributions for the USS scheme are 8% employee contribution and 18% employer contribution.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest-free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

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