Position: Wildlife Health Laboratory Technician (Science, Institute of Zoology, 1 year fixed-term, Full-time)
Salary: £39,508 (Inclusive of London Weighting) Science Salary Point 29
Location: ZSL Regents Park
Overview of the role:
The purpose of this role is to provide technical laboratory support to a collaborative wildlife health project entitled ‘Understanding and mitigating finch trichomonosis’. This project is funded by Natural England and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The technician role will include conducting parasitological analyses and molecular diagnostic testing of samples to detect and characterise Trichomonas gallinae. Laboratory and office work will be conducted at the Institute of Zoology, ZSL, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY.
Key responsibilities:
- To lead on development of molecular diagnostic protocols and to conduct molecular diagnostic testing for the detection and characterisation of Trichomonas gallinae in environmental samples collected from field sites and pathological samples from wild birds. This will principally involve conventional PCR, real-time PCR, submission for Sanger sequencing and interpretation of sequence data.
- To conduct culture-based methods for Trichomonas gallinae detection on samples collected from field sites and on samples collected during pathological examinations of wild birds using microscopic techniques combined with cryopreservation of parasite isolates.
- To communicate with external partners at the RSPB and be responsible for sample receipt from collaborators.
- To develop and analyse databases of results, to prepare research reports and contribute to development of peer-reviewed publication outputs.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A BSc degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences or a related scientific field
- Relevant molecular diagnostic laboratory experience (e.g. DNA extraction methods, conventional PCR, real-time PCR, interpretation of Sanger sequence data and phylogenetic analyses)
- Strong written and oral communication skills
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.
About Us:
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits, please see our full advert for the details.
To Apply:
Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the “Apply” button above. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on Sunday 17th September 2023
Provisional interview date: Week Commencing 2nd October 2023
The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.