Wildlife Veterinarian & Research Associate

Location: ZSL Regents Park

Overview of the role: 

The purpose of this role is to provide veterinary support to the Vector-borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) project (www.vb-radar.com). This UKRI/Defra-funded project (BB/X017990/1) is led by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), with the Institute of Zoology, British Trust for Ornithology and UK Health Security Agency as co-investigating organisations. The project which began in 2023 aims to enhance surveillance for mosquito-borne viral diseases of wild birds in the UK, with primary focus on Usutu virus and West Nile virus detection. The role will include 1. Seasonal fieldwork visiting wild bird ringing sites for sample collection under ASPA Home Office license across southern and eastern England, and 2. Conducting pathological investigations of wild birds submitted from across Great Britain. The postholder will work closely with the Garden Wildlife Health project (www.gardenwildlifehealth.org) veterinary team.

Key responsibilities: 

• To visit field sites in southern and eastern England to collect diagnostic samples (e.g. buccal and/or cloacal swabs and/or blood samples) from wild birds under ASPA Home Office license in collaboration with licensed bird ringers.
• To conduct post-mortem examinations of wild birds.
• To appropriately store, transport and submit samples for molecular diagnostic testing and serological investigations conducted at APHA Weybridge.
• To develop and analyse databases of results, to prepare research reports and contribute to development of peer-reviewed publication outputs.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A veterinary degree and membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• An interest in wildlife epidemiology, pathology and British wild birds
• Relevant clinical/pathological veterinary experience
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Key details: 

• Interviews week commencing 22nd July 2024
• Expected start date no later than mid October 2024 with planned attendance of ASPA training course in York, 21-23 October 2024, for applicants who do not already hold a personal license.
• 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.  

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits, please see our full advert for the details.

To Apply: 

Applicants will need to visit our website to upload their CV and covering letter and can do this by clicking the "Apply" button above.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728. 

Advert information