Wildlife Veterinarian & Research Associate- ZSL
Posted: 19 July 2023| Full-Time | UK
Overview
The purpose of this role is to provide veterinary support to the Vector-borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) project. This UKRI/Defra-funded project (BB/X017990/1) is led by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), with the Institute of Zoology, British Trust for Ornithology and UK Health Security Agency as co-investigating organisations. The project aims to enhance surveillance for mosquito-borne viral diseases of wild birds in the UK, with primary focus on Usutu virus and West Nile virus detection. The role will include 1. Seasonal fieldwork visiting wild bird ringing sites for sample collection under ASPA Home Office license across southern and eastern England, and 2. Conducting pathological investigations of wild birds submitted from across Great Britain. The postholder will work closely with the Garden Wildlife Health project (www.gardenwildlifehealth.org) veterinary team at IoZ.
The position
Position: Wildlife Veterinarian & Research Associate (Science, Institute of Zoology, Fixed-term until 31/03/2026, Full-time)Â
Salary: £39,508 (Inclusive of London Weighting)Â
Location: ZSL Regents Park & UK fieldworkÂ
Key Responsibilities
- To visit field sites in southern and eastern England to collect diagnostic samples (e.g. buccal and/or cloacal swabs and/or blood samples) from wild birds under ASPA Home Office license in collaboration with licensed bird ringers.
- To conduct post-mortem examinations of wild birds.
- To appropriately store, transport and submit samples for molecular diagnostic testing and serological investigations conducted at APHA Weybridge.
- To develop and analyse databases of results, to prepare research reports and contribute to development of peer-reviewed publication outputs.
qualifications and person specifications
- A veterinary degree and membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- An interest in wildlife epidemiology, pathology and British wild birds
- Relevant clinical/pathological veterinary experience
- Strong written and oral communication skills
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.Â
ABOUT ZSL
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.Â
What do we offer?Â
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:Â
- Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
- Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme.
- Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
- Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays
- Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
- Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
- Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity and paternity packages
to apply
Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the “Apply for this job online” button. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment@zsl.orgÂ
Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on 13 August 2023
Provisional interview date: w/c 21 August 2023
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
