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- Tasks: Support research on poultry welfare by collecting and analysing behavioural data.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol's Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, inclusive environment, and valuable research experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while gaining hands-on research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal behaviour observation and data collection is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic research setting.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 Ā£ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support work on a Defra funded project examining the welfare of commercial poultry during the catching and handling process. This exciting project will compare the use of two different methods of catching and handling commercial poultry during loading for transport. The project will involve the collection of behavioural data and other measures of welfare, alongside process data, to examine the impact of each catching method on bird welfare and the efficiency of the catching process. Real time observations will be used to collect data during real commercial catching events.
The Research Technician will be based in the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group at Bristol Veterinary School. They will work alongside a postādoctoral research associate, also to be hired. Responsibilities include supporting data collection activities onāfarm, helping to organise and prepare equipment for farm visits, and ensuring that research activities are compliant with relevant Health and Safety and other legislative or policy requirements. The technician will provide research support, carrying out behavioural observations and other data collection on farm.
The start date will be January 2026 and there is funding in place for the position 3 days per week until September 2027, with the possibility of a nineāmonth extension, depending on funding availability.
What will you be doing?
You will provide research support to a Research associate. You will primarily assist in the organisation of farm visits, and the collection and recording of behavioural data during those visits. Note that data collection will take place during poultry catching and handling events; the timing of these events will be outside of our control, and will often be outside of normal working hours. As a result data collection will require working some unsociable hours. You will also be expected to comply with biosecurity protocols, as well as health and safety requirements, contributing to risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines.
You should apply if you have:
- Experience in observation and recording of animal behaviour.
- Experience in collating scientific data for analysis.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, and to be able to cope under pressure.
- Excellent IT skills, and an ability to effectively use new software or IT systems when required.
- Ability to carry out data collection and collation protocols accurately and quickly, and contribute to process improvement.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision towards preādefined goals.
Additional information
- Contract type: Open ended (fixed funding Jan 2026 ā Sep 2027)
- Work pattern: 21 hours per week
- Grade: F
- School/Unit: Bristol Veterinary School
- Shift pattern: Part time (3 days per week; 7 hours each day)
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 03/02/2026. For any informal queries please contact Sarah Lambton, Senior Lecturer in Livestock Welfare and Innovation via email: Sarah.Lambton@bristol.ac.uk.
Our strategy and mission
The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives ā particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people ā because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Research Technician - Poultry Handling in Bristol employer: City of Bristol College
Contact Detail:
City of Bristol College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Research Technician - Poultry Handling in Bristol
āØTip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group. Understanding their work and values will help you connect during the conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
āØTip Number 2
Practice your observational skills! Since the role involves collecting behavioural data, try to hone your ability to notice details in animal behaviour. You could even volunteer at local farms or animal shelters to get some hands-on experience.
āØTip Number 3
Be ready for those unsociable hours! The job requires flexibility, so think about how you can manage your time effectively. Show that you're adaptable and willing to work outside the usual 9-5 when discussing your availability.
āØTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youāre serious about joining us at StudySmarter and contributing to this exciting project on poultry welfare.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician - Poultry Handling in Bristol
Some tips for your application š«”
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal welfare shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the well-being of poultry and have a strong interest in research related to their handling and behaviour.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any experience you have with observing animal behaviour or collecting scientific data. Weāre looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Research Technician.
Be Organised and Clear: Your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively, as this reflects the organisational skills we value in our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Donāt forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives us all the information we need to consider you for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
āØKnow Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of poultry behaviour and welfare. Familiarise yourself with the specific methods of catching and handling poultry that will be discussed in the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you answer questions confidently.
āØShow Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the job requires excellent organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your work and coped under pressure, especially during unsociable hours.
āØGet Comfortable with Data
As data collection is a big part of this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with collating and analysing scientific data. Bring examples of how you've accurately recorded observations in the past, and be ready to discuss any software or IT systems you've used.
āØAsk Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team you'll be working with. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the specific challenges faced during data collection or how the team ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
