At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting conservation genetics projects and collaborate with a passionate team.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a 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.
- 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.
About us
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. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
How you'll contribute to our mission
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 working together 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
- Take responsibility for delivery of DNA based projects being run by the WildGenes lab, to include 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 in the role of a research scientist with specialist knowledge of conservation genetics.
- Through the delivery of projects, 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 or line management of such staff, as required and working with the Programme Manager.
- Ensure individuals have the skills, systems and procedures appropriate to their particular operation/service to meet and/or exceed the needs of their stakeholders including our visitors.
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
- 37.5hr working week
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Discount in both retail/catering
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) 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) in Edinburgh employer: The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a Research Scientist within the inspiring environment of Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, providing generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to healthcare plans. Employees are encouraged to grow professionally through involvement in impactful conservation projects and opportunities for continuous learning, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in the natural world.
Contact Details:
The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (WildGenes) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation genetics field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with the WildGenes team on social media. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any presentations you've done. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in conservation genetics.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how your experience aligns with RZSS’s mission and be ready to discuss your approach to managing DNA-based projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the RZSS team and contributing to wildlife conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (WildGenes) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Scientist role. Highlight your PhD and any relevant experience in conservation genetics. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at RZSS!
Showcase Your Publications:If you've got a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, flaunt it! Include details about your research outputs and how they contribute to wildlife conservation. This is your chance to shine!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about conservation genetics and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at RZSS!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
✨Know Your Genetics
Brush up on your knowledge of population genetics and its application in wildlife conservation. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving DNA analysis and bioinformatics. This will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Publications
Prepare to talk about your track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Highlight any relevant research that aligns with RZSS's mission. This demonstrates not only your ability to conduct research but also your commitment to sharing knowledge within the scientific community.
✨Collaboration is Key
Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with external partners or teams. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this collaborative spirit to the WildGenes team, as teamwork is crucial for delivering conservation projects effectively.
✨Present Like a Pro
Practice presenting your research outputs to different audiences. Whether it's a scientific conference or a public engagement event, being able to communicate complex ideas clearly will set you apart. Prepare a few key points to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview.
