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Wildlife Health Laboratory Technician

Position Details:

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:

• 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. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity and paternity package