View the original posting here. 

Overview of the role:  

We are looking for an enthusiastic research scientist to join our multidisciplinary team and help deliver a project in Wales to better understand the ecology of tope sharks (Galeus galeus) in North Cardigan Bay and the wider Irish Sea region. The postholder will be based within the Ocean Predator Lab and Project SIARC team leading on and delivering a shark telemetry project in Pen Llŷn a'r Sarnau Special Conservation Area. This multidisciplinary project will also provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to work in close partnership with the local fishing communities who co-designed and will co-deliver the project and contribute to genuine impactful research.  

Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities) is a collaborative project, led by ZSL and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), that works to catalyse links between fishers, researchers, communities and government to collaborate and safeguard sharks, skates and rays and support a green recovery in Wales.  Project SIARC is currently funded by Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund (administered through the National Lottery Heritage Fund), On the Edge and Moondance Foundation

This post is a blended role, ideally suited for home working; regular travel within Wales and to London will be required. 

Key responsibilities:  

• Conduct a review of the existing tope movement and reproductive ecology literature, particularly in the northeast Atlantic.
• Support the preparation and submission of permits, ethical reviews and licences required to undertake the project.
• Support the design, implementation and delivery of an acoustic telemetry project in North Cardigan Bay, including the tagging of tope sharks.
• Manage project budget and funder requirements, including leading on the development of technical and funder reports. 
• Lead on the analysis of the telemetry data generated from the acoustic array to characterise the importance of features for tope.
• Disseminate findings of the Project SIARC through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional conferences, community presentations, and the production of popular science articles and social media posts.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in a relevant area or equivalent experience
• Home Office PIL ABC personal licence holder (desirable)
• A strong quantitative background and/or prior experience in working telemetry data.
• Experience in designing, trialling and implementing telemetry projects.
• Experience in financial management and reporting against a complex grant
• Extensive experience of project communications on a range of platforms, to include the creation and curation of content on websites and social media.
• Proven writing abilities.
• Authored at least two scientific publications relevant to the post.

Knowledge

• An interest and understanding of the role and importance of marine science and conservation, with ideally knowledge of the coastal waters of Wales and the status and management of UK elasmobranch species.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced skills in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.
• Advanced skills in use of statistical and analytical software packages, specifically R and ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Experience in managing research assistants in the field and supervising postgraduate research projects.
• Strong communication skills, especially amongst collaborators, fishing communities and local stakeholders.

Other Requirements

• Be based in Wales or willing to relocate to the area (desirable)
• Be willing and able to operate on boats at sea (desirable).
• Be keen and available to travel within the Wales for fieldwork.
• Basic use of the Welsh Language (desirable)

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.  

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

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.  

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  

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

View the original posting here.