Permanent - Full time

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to keep the zoo going, from feeding the animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 1.9 million visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we want to be the best zoo in the world!

If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Research Officer to join our Applied Science team.

The Role:

• To manage and administer Chester Zoo’s research processes
• To advise students and external clients on our research processes, and give guidance on the feasibility of research proposals and on effective resourcing in the context of zoo-led research
• To ensure effective compliance with the zoo’s scientific processes which ensures all scientific activities conducted by Chester Zoo staff have scientific rigour, are in agreement with the zoo’s research and ethical policies, and follow the guidance from relevant bodies of authority to ensure legal compliance
• To support the identification, application and administration of research grants and awards
• To make a contribution to research in one of the Zoo’s conservation and science specialisms and provide student research support through training and guidance for projects that support the zoo’s science, field programmes, discovery & learning and living collections teams.
• To work with the Science and Conservation Communications Officer to organise and coordinate science/conservation symposium events (and other relevant lecture type events) and assist the Discovery & Learning and Science teams with science outreach events - promoting awareness of and/or involvement in conservation and science to the general public and members

The ideal candidate will have:

• An MSc in an applied conservation science plus a minimum of 3 years research experience
• A strong commitment to conservation and to animal health and wellbeing
• Evidence of having made substantial contributions to successful research grant applications
• The ability to establish credibility, command respect and influence at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver projects on time and to a high standard
• The ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications to stakeholders at all levels
• The proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
• Proficiency with statistical analysis

The following criteria would also be advantageous:

• Evidence of academic student supervision and of peer-reviewed publications
• Knowledge and experience of zoo-based research and zoo operations

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday based at Chester Zoo.

The salary is £24,017.15 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers/working-at-chester-zoo .

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our role.

Closing date for applications is Monday 8 th May 2017