To contribute to free-living wild animal health surveillance for Natural England's Species Recovery Programme 2.5 days per week. For a range of native species, and for sympatric species when necessary, assist with investigations of the impact of interventions, for example reintroductions, on the health of populations and the welfare of individuals. Species for which these investigations have been provided include field cricket, red-barbed ant, pool frog, sand lizard, corncrake, red kite, cirl bunting, red squirrel and common dormouse. The post is based at Regent's Park but will involve some field work requiring unsocial and flexible hours. Training in field techniques will be given.

Tasks
1. To assist with health examinations on wild animals including record keeping.
2. To assist with the determination of causes of morbidity and mortality through pathological investigation (post-mortem examinations), including prosecting carcases under supervision, and to undertake and organise such back-up studies as may be required for diagnosis of disease including cause of death.
3. To conduct laboratory analyses and investigations.
4. To undertake general laboratory duties including for example cleaning, stock-taking and ordering.
5. To assist with the determination of parasite complement to prevent the introduction of alien organisms.
6. To maintain and develop databases of findings and to assist in the preparation of reports on each piece of work carried out under this programme i.e. for each sub-project or for each species population examined.
7. To maintain archives of pathological samples and to monitor freezers and other storage facilities used for these archives.
8. To attend bi-annual project meetings.
9. To assist with any other tasks as may be required.
10. In undertaking these duties, he/she will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.

Reports to

Tony Sainsbury

Person specification
A BSc degree and either i/ a postgraduate qualification, or ii/ at least two years relevant experience, is essential. Knowledge of IT systems is an advantage but training will be given if necessary. A clean driving licence would be an advantage.

Salary will be £22,525 per annum equivalent (including London weighting of £3536). The appointment will be for 2.5 days per week for a period of 6 months in the first instance.


Applications
Applicants should forward their current CV, with a covering letter and details of two referees, to the Human Resources Department, Zoological Society of London by Friday 20th February 2009. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Tony Sainsbury on Tel 020 7449 6668 or tony.sainsbury@ioz.ac.uk