Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Hainan Gibbon Project

ZSL is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to work on a long-term project funded by the Arcus Foundation entitled “Building a Future for the Hainan gibbon”.  

The Hainan gibbon is the world's rarest primate, with only a single Critically Endangered population of c.45 individuals still surviving in one forest area in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, Hainan, China. There is an urgent need for evidence-based research to understand the status and ecological requirements of this population, and for the identification of appropriate management and recovery strategies based on best-practice conservation science.

The project provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to play a key role in the conservation of a Critically Endangered species, by conducting novel scientific research and by providing direct support and coordination of activities aiming to recover this tiny population. The PDRA will establish a new scientific baseline on the patterns and factors underpinning Hainan gibbon landscape and habitat use; the species’ population dynamics (including new group formation); its response and resilience to environmental change; and ecological scenarios that can promote gibbon recovery. There will also be potential to engage with other conservation research activities in Hainan. The PDRA will also provide training and support for collaborating researchers and students at Hainan University and other Chinese institutions, and will engage with conservation decision-makers to ensure that scientific findings are used to guide evidence-based conservation planning (e.g., provide recommendations for habitat restoration). This work will form a key component of wider efforts to raise awareness about Hainan gibbon conservation, and to coordinate knowledge and expertise between stakeholders involved with gibbon conservation in China and elsewhere across Asia.

This is a two-year fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension. The is a hybrid role based at London Zoo, with potential for extended periods spent in China.

• Spatial and ecological analyses of existing datasets compiled by project partners in Hainan (monitoring data for gibbon groups and individuals, vegetation data, canopy camera trap data).
• Lead on writing and submission of scientific papers, as well as technical documents and reports as required.
• Training and supervision of students in the UK and/or China.
• Share and explain project findings with policy-makers in China (e.g. governing authorities).
• Further dissemination of project results, e.g. through presentations at academic and conservation conferences, media and public engagement.
• Support or coordination of conservation activities associated with the project in China and internationally, including capacity building, co-organizing conservation meetings and workshops, policy advocacy, and/or public outreach.
• Grant applications for additional project activities.

• PhD in conservation biology, population ecology, landscape ecology or similar.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills in relevant ecological areas.
• Good knowledge of Ecology and conservation of threatened species.
• Understanding of key issues in conservation in Asia.
• Experience of working with statistical analysis software packages.
• Ability to spend extended periods of time independently outside the UK, within different working environments and cultures.
• Basic Mandarin Chinese language skills are desirable, or a strong motivation to learn.