Animal Welfare & Behaviour Scientist

We are looking for a Animal Welfare & Behaviour Scientist to join our Conservation & Science Team, and support the development, implementation, interpretation, and reporting of advanced zoo-wide animal behaviour research and welfare programmes, promoting an evidence-based approach to animal care and management. The Behaviour and Welfare Scientist will be responsible for coordinating, and participating in, multiple animal behaviour and welfare research projects, and will also support the training of organisational staff, interns, and volunteers that may assist with research efforts.

The Behaviour and Welfare Scientist will work closely with Curators, veterinarians and the Animal Care teams to manage our animal welfare assessment process, strengthening our commitment towards animal welfare in line with current national and international zoo standards and best practices. Exceptional skills in independent critical thinking, data organisation and analysis, communication, and collaboration are critical for this role.Required Qualifications, Skills, and AbilitiesMinimum Masters level degree in a related field e.g., animal behaviour, welfare, animal science, zoology.2+ years of relevant work experience in the areas of animal behaviour and/or welfare research, including all aspects of the research process (i.e. study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting).Demonstrated experience and a good understanding of the practical aspects of animal behaviour research and welfare assessments in the zoo and aquarium field, including current BIAZA and EAZA standards and best practices.

Strong skills in project management, planning and implementation.Experience in scientific writing and the peer-reviewed process, ideally with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.Advanced and competent user of Windows operating systems and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Experience using behavioural data collection tools such as ZooMonitor©.Experience using statistical analysis and data visualisation programmes (e.g., SPSS, R).Experience using standardised zoo records keeping software (e.g.

ZIMS) is desired but not required.Experience in fundraising and/or demonstrated success in proposal writing is desirable.Essential FunctionsCoordinate Dublin Zoo’s animal behaviour research and welfare assessment programmes across all taxa, including the welfare concern reporting process. Design, run and analyse research projects, up to peer-reviewed publication, and report results to Conservation & Science, curators and senior management.

Standardise welfare monitoring tools (e.g. ZooMonitor©), help develop policies and protocols, and train and supervise staff, students, interns and volunteers. Work with animal care and vets, teach on higher education courses, and represent the Zoo at conferences, events and in the media.