At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting conservation genetics projects and collaborate with a passionate team at Edinburgh Zoo.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leading wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and free zoo entry for you and your friends.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with global partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in wildlife conservation while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in population genetics and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 41621 - 42662 £ per year.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join our Conservation Team as a Research Scientist. Based within the RZSS WildGenes team at Edinburgh Zoo, this role will involve working within a small team of technicians and post-doctoral level research scientists to deliver on around 15-20 conservation genetic projects annually.
In this role you'll initiate, implement and disseminate conservation genetics projects as part of the WildGenes team, to agreed standards under appropriate guidance and direction, in support of RZSS’s vision and mission. Some of the things you'll do include:
- Take responsibility for delivery of DNA based projects being run by the WildGenes lab, including experimental design and reporting, in addition to bioinformatic analysis.
- Contribute to the dissemination of WildGenes research through the preparation of project reports and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Represent RZSS at external meetings and conferences nationally and internationally as a research scientist with specialist knowledge of conservation genetics.
- Proactively develop people within the team and work in collaboration with external partners.
- Take responsibility for day-to-day management of staff at research assistant level or similar, working with the Programme Manager.
- Ensure individuals have the skills, systems and procedures appropriate to their operation/service to meet and/or exceed the needs of their stakeholders.
What we're looking for:
- PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Ability to apply knowledge regarding the application of population genetics to wildlife conservation management.
- Track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Ability to collaborate with a range of external partners including scientific and applied conservation organisations.
- Proficient in presenting research outputs to a range of audiences.
- Experience of standard molecular genetic laboratory techniques.
- Proficient in population genetic and genomic data analysis including the use of coding in R, Unix or similar.
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.
What you'll get in return:
- Starting salary between £41,621 - £42,662 (offer based on experience) per annum.
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Discount in both retail/catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- Staff membership providing free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. For further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria, please see the ‘related documents’ section.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.
Research Scientist (WildGenes) employer: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation while working in the vibrant setting of Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to employee development, RZSS provides generous benefits including 34 days of annual leave, a supportive healthcare plan, and opportunities for professional growth through collaboration on impactful conservation genetics projects. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the world, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions celebrated.
Contact Details:
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (WildGenes)
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (WildGenes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to drive research projects forward.
