Post Doctoral Research Assistant

Overview of the role

The purpose of this role is to advance science and the conservation of ecosystems in the Western Congo Basin, while supporting the delivery of the ZSL-led Biodiversity Landscape Fund project funded by the UK Government. The holder of this role is expected to produce outcomes that will contribute to the research reputation of IOZ (Institute of Zoology) and that will support the definition and implementation of ZSL’s conservation strategies.

Key responsibilities:  

• To gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data pertinent to climate change vulnerability; changes in ecosystem distribution, structure and composition; and changes in the distribution of threats to ecosystems. Duties to include: analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods.
• To regularly submit articles to high impact peer-reviewed scientific journals, and contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies.
• To maintain regular communication and engagement with partners on the Biodiversity Landscape Fund project. 
• To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint activities as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration; attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings.
• To contribute to the wider dissemination of work as part of the impact agenda, such as writing online pieces, collaborating with the press office on the production of press releases and participating in internal and external science outreach activities.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

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.  

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.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:  

• 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  
• Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) - The contributions for the USS scheme are 8% employee contribution and 18% employer contribution. 
• 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  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• 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 for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages