Cat Welfare Research Scientist — Remote UK

Cats Protection; Chelwood Gate; Remote; GBP 31,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing support

Flexible working options

26 days annual leave

Contributory pension and life cover

Pet insurance discount

Job summary

Cats Protection is seeking a Research Scientist to advance cat population and welfare research. You will lead data collection, analysis and reporting, including scientific publications, while coordinating multiple projects and deadlines.

The role involves fieldwork, literature reviews, and collaboration with internal teams to develop welfare assessment tools. A PhD and strong IT and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in animal behaviour, animal welfare, or related field.
• Experience on both quantitative and qualitative projects.
• First-author publications in animal welfare studies.
• Applied animal welfare and husbandry experience in shelter/zoo/charity contexts.
• Excellent written and oral communication; high IT literacy.

Responsibilities

• Work on cat population and welfare research projects with Cats Protection and external partners.
• Contribute to design and delivery of research aligned with charity objectives.
• Lead data collection, analysis and reporting, including publications, managing multiple projects.
• Carry out literature reviews to inform evidence-based recommendations.
• Carry out fieldwork and site visits to collect data as required.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support welfare assessment tools.
• Provide research expertise to Cat Welfare, Operations and other directorates.
• Represent Cats Protection at conferences, events and external engagements.

Skills

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

PhD in animal behaviour / welfare

Job description

Cats Protection is seeking a Research Scientist to advance cat population and welfare research. You will lead data collection, analysis and reporting, including scientific publications, while coordinating multiple projects and deadlines.

The role involves fieldwork, literature reviews, and collaboration with internal teams to develop welfare assessment tools. A PhD and strong IT and communication skills are essential.