CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO

Scientific Assistant: Behaviour & Welfare

Job reference:001632

Salary:£13,250 per annum

Closing date:20/03/2026

Department:Science

Location:Chester

Employment type:Fixed Term

Hours Per Week:20

Job Description

Scientific Assistant: Behaviour and Welfare
We now have an exciting vacancy for a Scientific Assistant to join our Science Department and work within our Behaviour and Welfare Research Programme. This research programme focusses on animal health and wellbeing with a particular emphasis on behavioural monitoring.

The Scientific Assistant will support the Science Department to ensure Chester Zoo maintains the highest external reputation and credibility as a world-leader in one of the zoo’s specialised areas of scientific innovation and research excellence and contribute to specific programme projects, effectively translating scientific outputs on projects to maximise conservation impact to achieve Chester Zoo’s conservation strategies and mission.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Contribute to the Behaviour and Welfare research programme using technically robust scientific methods
• Effectively prioritise own time
• Work collaboratively across multiple departments to achieve common goals
• Contribute to relevant lectures and workshops
• Disseminate work to a wide variety of audiences (including peer-reviewed publications)

The Package

• Fixed Term contract for 14 months
• 20 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
• Salary of £13,250 per annum
• 33 days annual leave (pro rata) plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Our Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• Demonstrated ability to deliver research projects on time and to a high standard
• Evidence with data analysis and statistical packages relevant to the field
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing and media communications to a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to maintain partnerships and collaborations to enable project delivery
• Proven ability to effectively work in and contribute to a team environment
• Have knowledge of zoos and their conservation function

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Evidence of effective training
• Experience of designing and/or conducting animal welfare assessments

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting, and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.