Permanent – 40 hours
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 are leading best practice in science, education and husbandry to create a sustainable future for wildlife. We do this by managing animal and plant populations, safeguarding habitats and empowering people to value nature and build conservation into their daily lives. We use scientific evidence to help identify and address many of the challenges our natural world faces. Our research helps in decision making that improves the management of the animals and plants in our care and influence the sustainability of wild populations.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Conservation Scientist to join the Chester Zoo Science team on a permanent basis. Using knowledge from the field of conservation physiology, the role will focus on the development of health biomarkers in our wildlife endocrinology laboratory.
The Role:
• Manage a team that leads an effective service and research programme focused on conservation physiological biomarker research and development (R&D).
• Use innovative laboratory techniques to develop novel physiological biomarkers of animal health.
• Progress our understanding of conservation physiology through targeted and collaborative research to support conservation initiatives.
• Provide training and consultancy on conservation physiology and biomarker analysis to zoo staff and research partners including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Participate in relevant scientific conferences, professional associations and science communication opportunities.
• Produce publications and promote best practice in conservation physiology and biomarker R&D.
• Explore means of making the programme cost-effective by exploring grant opportunities and building collaborations with key stakeholders both at the zoo and in the field.
The successful candidate will:
• Be educated to Master’s level or have demonstrable equivalent research experience
• Have substantial practical experience in an analytical laboratory (which may include time undertaking PhD or postdoctoral research)
• Illustrate practical experience, or a strong working understanding of laboratory techniques used for separation and measurement of targeted biological analytes (e.g. HPLC, GC and/or MS)
• Demonstrate evidence of working knowledge of enzyme-immunoassays (EIA’s)
• Have experience of working with a wide range of biomarkers in challenging matrices and effective development of varied extraction processes (Solid Phase or Liquid)
• Demonstrate the ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver projects on time and to a high standard
• Display the ability to establish credibility, command respect and influence at all levels.
• Be able to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing and media communications to stakeholders at all levels
• Have a proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
• Show a strong commitment to animal well-being and conservation
• Display high proficiency with complex statistical analysis relevant to the field
• Provide evidence of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature
• Have experience of effective student supervision or training
• Knowledge and experience of zoo-based research and zoo operations is desirable
The salary for this role is £36,733.78 per annum based on 40 hours per week, worked Monday-Friday, with occasional evening / weekend work as required.
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 Lead Conservation Scientist: Biomarker Research & Development role.
Closing date for applications is 30th April 2019
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