Friday, April 29, 2016

Conservation Physiology Technician



Conservation Physiology Technician

Permanent – 40 hours per week

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We are currently recruiting for a Conservation Physiology Technician which will support Chester Zoo science activities through the provision of technical lab skills which contribute to the identification of physiological biomarkers that can be used to assess the relationship between the environment, fitness and welfare in wildlife helping to establish us as a centre of excellence for conservation breeding and animal welfare.

The Role

Our Conservation Physiology Technician will provide an effective technical service ensuring accurate and timely laboratory results which contribute to exploring the physiological biomarkers that can be used to assess fitness and welfare in wildlife. In addition to routine enzyme immunoassay analysis they will effectively explore and validate new innovative biomarkers and lab techniques (e.g. Chromatography (HPLC/GS) and/or Mass Spectrometry). Provide professional technical training support to the society’s staff and collaborators both within and outside the zoo and promote best practice in conservation physiology research. Participate in scientific communication opportunities to establish Chester Zoo as a centre of excellence for the field of conservation physiology. Support the Head of Applied Science to progress our understanding of conservation physiology through the technical support of targeted, collaborative research and problem-solving in line with the society’s values and needs. Contribute to published research through effective dissemination of the materials and methods sections of manuscripts. Effective delivery of external Biological Sample Requests

The ideal candidate will have:

    •    A Bachelor’s degree in a science related field
    •    Evidence of substantial laboratory experience
    •    High proficiency with enzyme immune assays (validation and troubleshooting)
    •    Experience with chromatography (HPLC/GS) and/or mass spectrometry
    •    Experience with a variety of sample types (e.g. faecal/urine) and preparation procedures (extraction/concentration)
    •    Demonstrated ability to manage a lab to a high standard
    •    Experience with technical lab training
    •    Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications
    •    Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
    •    A strong commitment to animal health and well-being and conservation
    •    Evidence of contributions to peer-reviewed publications is desirable
    •    Knowledge and experience of zoo operations is desirable

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked Monday-Friday.

Salary is £24,017 per annum based on a 40 working week.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for our Conservation Physiology Technician role to http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers.




Closing date for applications is 22nd May 2016.






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