Research Assistant (WildGenes)

About us:

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.

How you’ll contribute to our mission:

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.

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
• 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.

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
• 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 get in return:

• Starting salary between £29,131-£29,859 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £32,469 per annum
• 37.5hr working week
• 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.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate’s right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer.