Research Assistant (WildGenes)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Scotland; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Scotland is seeking an experienced individual to assist with conservation genetics projects. You will take responsibility for project delivery, analyze genetic datasets, and contribute to research dissemination. The ideal candidate should have an MSc and experience in population genetics, project management, and collaboration with various partners. This position offers a competitive salary of £28,037 - £28,738, along with benefits including 34 days annual leave and a healthcare plan.

Benefits

34 days annual leave

Discount in retail/catering

Access to healthcare plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Employer contributory pension scheme

Staff membership for free entry to wildlife parks

Qualifications

• Educated to MSc level or equivalent experience.
• Experience with population genetics in conservation management.
• Publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Responsibilities

• Deliver conservation genetic projects for the WildGenes team.
• Analyze a variety of genetic datasets.
• Prepare project reports and manuscripts for publication.

Skills

Conservation genetics

Project management

Collaborative work

Genomic data analysis

Proficient in R

Education

MSc in relevant discipline

Job description

RZSS - Edinburgh Zoo

Scotland Closing date for applications is: 15th Aug 2025

To assist with the implementation and dissemination of conservation genetics projects, to agreed standards and under the appropriate guidance and support within the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) WildGenes team.

This is a 3-year fixed term position

Some of the things you’ll do:

• To take responsibility for delivery of conservation genetic projects being run by the WildGenes team, to include experimental design, analysis, administration and reporting
• Undertake analyses on a wide variety of genetic datasets, including mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and SNPs generated via RADseq, target capture or genome resequencing (where required)
• To contribute to the dissemination of WildGenes research through the preparation of project reports and/or manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journal.
• Where required, work closely with the research scientists on bioinformatic analyse and assist the Research Scientist(s), in conducting literature reviews, as well as qualitative and quantitative research
• To represent and act as an RZSS ambassador at meetings (internal and external) and conferences with knowledge of conservation genetics
• Ensure the cycle of monitoring, evaluating, and learning is part of project design and reporting.
• Ensure that, where appropriate, scientific activities follow the guidance from relevant bodies of authority to ensure legal compliance, for example, EAZA, BIAZA, CITES, Defra, Home Office, Zoo Licencing, GDPR

What we’re looking for:

• Educated to MSc level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
• Ability to apply knowledge regarding the application of population genetics to wildlife conservation management
• At least one publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
• Ability to collaborate with a range of external partners including scientific and applied conservation organisations
• Proficient in standard genetic analysis and experience of standard molecular genetic laboratory techniques and of population genetic and genomic data analysis including the use of coding in R, unix or similar.
• Experience of project management

What you’ll getin return:

• Starting salary between £28,037 - £28,738 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £31,250 per annum
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Discount in both retail/catering
• Access to a healthcare plan
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.

Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found.

Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.

Apply for this job:

For further information and details on how to apply please visit:

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)