Behavioural and Research Specialist

Goede Doelen Nederland; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary €3,700-€4,718 gross per month

Personal Benefit Budget 11.5%

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement 24 days/year

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

AAP is seeking a Behavioural and Research Specialist to support the Specialists Team in Almere and Villena. You will coordinate behavioural observations, analyze data, and supervise students, contributing to publications and treatment plans.

The role emphasizes methodical, independent work and strong written communication in Dutch and English. The position offers an initial one-year contract with renewal possibilities, a competitive monthly gross salary, and comprehensive benefits including a

Qualifications

• Affinity with AAP objectives.
• HBO/WO level or higher in animal behaviour, management, biology or comparable education.
• 2–3 years of relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience analyzing data sets (R Studio).
• Experience with scientific writing/publications.
• Mastery of Excel and Office; eager to learn new systems.
• Good communication in Dutch and English; strong analytical and social skills.
• Independent, honest, pragmatic with good humor and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the behavioural observation system.
• Analyse behavioural data collected by caretakers and students.
• Supervise students; review their study plans, reports and presentations.
• Assist in preparation of (scientific) publications and treatment plans.
• Prepare reports for behavioural biologists and assist where needed.
• Guide caretakers in observing animals and initiating social introductions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Excellent written communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

HBO/WO level in animal behaviour or related field

Tools

R Studio

Excel

Job description

For the Specialists Team, AAP is looking for a Behavioural and Research Specialist. Would you enjoy using your analytical skills to support the Specialists Team to carry out their work? Are you methodical, independent and do you have excellent written communication skills? Then this may be the job for you.

Within the cluster Rescue and Rehabilitation, the Specialists Team is responsible for the quality of the veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation of rescued animals in both Almere (the Netherlands) and Villena (Spain). The team currently consists of four veterinarians, four veterinary technicians, two behavioural biologists, and one behavioural assistant.

The Specialists Team provides advice on behavioural and veterinary related topics and is involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and outplacement of the animals. The team has an advisory and educational role towards management, the team leaders and animal care staff. As a Behavioural and Research employee you are responsible for supporting these processes within the department.

What you will do:

• You will get a challenging and unique position in AAP’s Specialist team, with members in Almere and Villena.
• Support the Behavioural Biologists, who are responsible for the rehabilitation of animals rescued by AAP.
• Coordinate the behavioural observation system.
• Analyse behavioural data collected by both animal caretakers and students.
• You are an advanced Excel user, you easily organize and analyse existing data, and you create reports, from which you quickly identify risks and opportunities.
• You easily understand new systems and software, and you help others navigate said systems, troubleshooting whenever is necessary. You supervise students, including the reviewing of their study plans, reports, and presentations.
• Participate in the preparation of (scientific) publications and treatment plans of animals.
• Guide the animal caretakers in learning to observe animals or in initiating social introductions.
• Prepare reports for the behavioural biologists and assist them where needed.

What are we looking for?

• An affinity with the objectives of AAP.
• HBO/WO (Academic or higher professional education) level of working and thinking. Completed studies in animal behaviour, animal management, biology or comparable education.
• Preferably at least 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experienced at working with and analysing data sets (R Studio).
• Experience with scientific writing, which is shown by publications that you authored or co-authored.
• You are a master of Excel and Office in general and are excited to learn about new systems.
• Good communication skills in Dutch and English. Strong analytical and social skills.
• Objective, honest and independent, with a good sense of humour and empathy.
• Professional and a practical, result-oriented attitude.

What we offer!

• A unique workplace in the green heart of Almere, within a short travelling distance of Amsterdam, Zwolle and Utrecht.
• Work on site where AAP shelters animals.
• A role with social relevance in an international working environment.
• An inspiring and professional working environment that encourages dedication, accessibility and decisiveness.
• Initial one-year contract, renewable and leading to a second year contract and possibly converted in a permanent contract, subject to mutual satisfaction.
• A salary between €3.700 and €4.718 gross per month (based on 40 hours per week), depending on relevant work experience.
• A Personal Benefit Budget of 11.5% of the gross annual salary. (Including holiday allowance)
• A good and sustainable pension scheme.
• A holiday entitlement of 24 days per year on a full-time basis.
• Full reimbursement of public transport travel costs and a generous travel allowance for private transport.

Please note that only people with the right to work within Europe will be considered for this application.