Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Cornwall Badger Project

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Postdoctoral Research Assistant to contribute to the Cornwall Badger Project, evaluating the outcomes of past and ongoing badger management efforts aimed at controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle. This role involves both fieldwork and research, including supporting the field delivery of badger vaccination, sampling, and population monitoring at sites across Cornwall.

In addition to field-based activities, you will take the lead on data analysis and report writing, providing critical insights that will shape future strategies for badger management and disease control. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your research expertise to a project that makes a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and disease management.

This position is offered as a 3-year fixed-term contract, working 35 hours per week.

Key responsibilities:

• Policy & Management Impact: Ensure that the Cornwall Badger Project research remains relevant to management and policy decision.
• Fieldwork Contribution: Assist with badger vaccination and sampling, aligning activities with project goals, licenses, and best practice guidelines.
• Population Monitoring Design: Oversee the design and implementation of badger population monitoring using camera trapping techniques.
• Data & Sample Management: Ensure the long-term curation, storage, and management of data and biological samples.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Lead data analysis and produce comprehensive reports to inform future strategies and decision-making.

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