Conservation Scientist

We are Chester Zoo. We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. 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 prevent extinction.

The Role

We have an exciting vacancy for a Conservation Scientist to join our Science Department on a 12-month fixed-term basis and work within our Conservation Physiology and Reproduction Research Programme. This research programme focuses on wildlife reproduction, health and well-being. This role will have a particular focus on molecular diagnostics and wildlife disease research, including but not limited to our work on elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus. The Conservation Scientist will develop and conduct molecular diagnostic assays on a range of sample types. This will involve DNA and RNA extraction, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and LAMP, as well as serological ELISAs and additional immunological assays.

The Conservation Scientist will be based within our International Centre for Zoo Science, and will support the Science and Veterinary Departments to ensure Chester Zoo maintains the highest external reputation and credibility as a world-leader in one of the zoo’s specialised areas of scientific innovation and research excellence and lead on specific programme projects, effectively translating scientific outputs from these research projects to maximise conservation impact to achieve Chester Zoo’s conservation strategies and mission.

Programme support

• Support the Lead Conservation Scientist in one of Chester Zoo’s core scientific programmes to deliver the programme’s annual tactical plan and support with the stewardship of the programme’s established internal and external partnerships to provide evidence to underpin wider zoo strategies and decision-making.
• Lead and effectively prioritise own time to enable the delivery of projects and other scientific outputs including effective calendar management, meeting organisation, and ensuring integrity and confidentiality of information/data.

Conservation Training

• Contribute to the Conservation Training Academy through the annual delivery and/or co-delivery of training events such as external professional courses, graduate and post-graduate level lectures, and/or internal lectures, based on the programme expertise.

Scientific Dissemination, Reputation and Credibility

• Support the Lead Conservation Scientist in one of Chester Zoo’s core scientific programmes and successfully contribute to Chester Zoo’s mission by designing and delivering novel robust scientific research.
• Lead on programme-specific independent projects through scientific innovation and delivery of original research projects and outputs, both personally and through the co-supervision and/or technical training of students.
• Lead on and contribute to peer-reviewed original research papers.
• Work with Marketing, PR, Education and Communications teams to share and disseminate own research and activities with a wide variety of audiences.
• Lead on producing scientific materials to support evidence-based practices and inform policy.
• Support the Lead Conservation Scientist in influencing external professional associations at a national level through member participation and/or development of new methods or standards within an area of scientific expertise.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Contribute to the Conservation Physiology and Reproduction research programme using technically robust scientific methods, particularly advanced molecular laboratory skills.
• Effectively prioritise their own time.
• Work collaboratively across multiple departments to achieve common goals.
• Contribute to relevant lectures and workshops.
• Disseminate work to a wide variety of audiences (including peer-reviewed publications).

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place. 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. Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Fixed-term, 12-month contract
• 40 hours per week
• Salary of £31,535.28 per annum
• 33 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Opportunity for flexible / hybrid working
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

Our Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• Relevant laboratory experience, including molecular techniques, ELISA and demonstrable evidence of a knowledge of optimisation, troubleshooting and quality control measures.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver research projects on time and to a high standard.
• Evidence with data analysis and statistical packages relevant to the field.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing and media communications to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain and influence partnerships and collaborations to enable project delivery.
• Proven ability to effectively work in and contribute to a team environment.
• Have knowledge of zoos and their conservation function.
• Evidence of effective training and/or student supervision is desirable.
• Evidence of peer-review publications is desirable.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.