Senior Scientific Officer - Ruminants

Rspca; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The RSPCA is seeking a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer (SSPO) for Ruminants to shape policy and welfare standards for dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep. The role blends science, policy, research and advocacy with external engagement and stakeholder liaison.

Location is Horsham Hub with home-based work and monthly travel to Horsham, plus occasional UK farm visits. 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, driver’s license essential for travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in farm animal welfare policy and standards.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and work in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Help shape RSPCA policy for ruminants and support welfare standards.
• Collaborate across science, policy, research and advocacy teams.
• Represent the RSPCA externally to Government, farming industry and researchers.
• Provide trusted advice to colleagues and senior stakeholders.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific communication

Job description

Do you want to help create a better world for farmed animals?

At the RSPCA, we believe that improving animal welfare benefits everyone. Join us in creating a better world for animals. Choose a career with us and make a difference.

We are looking for a new team member to join us as a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer (SSPO) for Ruminants within our Science and Policy team.

Working hours: 35 hours / Monday – Friday
Location: Horsham Hub & Home-based
Hybrid role: With a requirement to travel to Horsham once a month, and some UK travel for farm visits.

Please note that due to travel requirements a full drivers license is essential for this position.

As a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer, you’ll use your expertise and knowledge to help shape RSPCA policy, influence positive change and support the development of welfare standards for ruminants, including dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.

You’ll work across science, policy, research and advocacy, providing trusted support and advice to colleagues and senior stakeholders while representing the RSPCA externally. You’ll work with the government, farming industry, scientific communities and other organisations to improve ruminant welfare.

It’s important to us that you feel part of the team from the start. You’ll have regular check-ins and team meetings. There’s always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our recruitment journey – key dates for you to note

Here’s what the process looks like, no surprises, just a friendly guide:

• Application
  You’ll be asked to answer 3 questions to give us a sense of your experience, skills, and potential. Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box - what really matters is what you can bring to the role and the team.


• Panel Interview
  If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a panel interview with the Hiring Manager. This is a chance to:
  
  
  • Share more about your experience, expertise and achievements in farm animal welfare
  
  
  • Talk about how you’ve influenced policy, standards, research or practice
  
  
  • Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex scientific information to different audiences
  
  
  • Ask questions about the role, the team and the impact you could make. Interviews are a two-way conversation, and we recognise that any career move needs to feel right for you as well as for us.
  
  
  • Show off your skills and behaviours in a relaxed, supportive setting

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know - we’re happy to support you.

We think this role is going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest, so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out. The deadline for applications will be 3rd November 2026.