Research Scientist - Cat Behaviour and Welfare

HMRN; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 31,000 - 51,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing

Flexible working

Leave 26 days + bank holidays

Pension & life assurance

Pet insurance discount

Job summary

Cats Protection in the United Kingdom is seeking a Research Scientist to lead cat welfare research projects, collaborating with internal teams and external partners. The role is remote with occasional travel, and involves designing, executing and reporting research studies to improve welfare outcomes.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrate strong data analysis and communication skills, and manage multiple projects with scientific rigour.

Qualifications

• PhD in animal behaviour, welfare, human–animal interactions, veterinary medicine or related field.
• Experience on both quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Animal welfare studies with first-author publications.
• Applied animal welfare and husbandry experience in shelter/zoo/animal charity/veterinary context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High IT literacy with ability to analyse complex data and produce clear reports.

Responsibilities

• Work on cat population and welfare research projects with Cats Protection and external partners.
• Design and deliver research projects aligned with the charity’s objectives.
• Lead data collection, analysis and reporting, including publications, across multiple projects.
• Conduct literature reviews to inform evidence-based guidance for stakeholders.
• Carry out fieldwork and site visits to collect research data when needed.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support welfare assessment tools.
• Provide research expertise and support to colleagues across directorates.
• Represent Cats Protection at conferences, events and external engagements.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Project management

Education

PhD in animal behaviour / welfare / related field

Job description

Location: Remote in the UK with occasional travel and overnight stays

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

Contract: 6 months fixed term contract

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Research Scientist

• Work on cat population and welfare research projects, both within Cats Protection and with external partners, to improve knowledge, assessment and outcomes for cat welfare.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of research projects aligned with the charity’s objectives.
• Lead qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and reporting, including scientific publications, while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Conduct literature reviews to provide evidence-based recommendations and best practice guidance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Carry out fieldwork and site visits to collect research data where required.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development and adoption of welfare assessment tools.
• Provide research expertise, analysis and support to colleagues across Cat Welfare, Operations and other directorates.
• Represent Cats Protection at conferences, events and other external engagements.

About the Research team:

• The Cat Welfare Research Team manages, delivers and shares feline welfare research across Cats Protection, helping develop understanding of cat welfare at both population and individual levels, including epidemiology, demography and welfare assessment.
• The team provides scientific expertise through high-quality, ethical research, ensuring resources are focused on projects that align with research priorities and deliver the greatest long-term benefit to cat welfare.

What we’re looking for:

• PhD qualification in animal behaviour, animal welfare, human-animal interactions, veterinary medicine, biological science or related subject
• Worked on both quantitative and qualitative research projects
• Undertaken animal welfare studies including first author publications
• Applied animal welfare and husbandry experience, e.g., in shelter/zoo/animal charity/veterinary/ unowned/community context
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
• High level of IT literacy including the ability to analyse complex data to a high level of accuracy and produce reports in a clear and precise format

What we can offer you:

• Health and wellbeing support to help you stay well while working remotely
• Flexible working options to support a healthy work–life balance
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance
• Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health
• Learn more about our full reward package: here

Application closing date: 30 October 2026

Virtual interview date: 13, 16 and 17 November 2026

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form
2. Virtual interview and presentation

Please email [e-mail] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation - where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals' experience and can reach and partner all areas of society - is crucial if we’re to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

Up to £51,443 per year