Postdoctoral Research Associate in One Health - Western Congo Basin

Postdoctoral Research Associate in One Health - Western Congo Basin

ZSL - London Zoo

Closing date for applications is: 21st Apr 2025

Salary: £41,537 per annum (including London Weighting)

Purpose of the role: The purpose of this role is to advance science and the conservation of ecosystems in the Western Congo Basin, while supporting the delivery of the ZSL-led Biodiversity Landscape Fund (BLF) project funded by the UK Government. Your focus would be on zoonotic diseases in the Western Congo Basin (i.e., Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo), contributing to the development of disease-resilient landscapes within a One Health framework.

The successful candidate will focus on the ecology of zoonotic pathogens, particularly those associated with bats and rodents, while collaborating with local communities and consortium partners to integrate human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. This position will involve fieldwork in the region, including wildlife sampling, pathogen surveillance, and community engagement.

Beyond field research, this role is an opportunity to contribute to the scientific reputation of the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) and to shape ZSL’s conservation strategies, delivering impactful outcomes for biodiversity and public health in the region.

Key responsibilities:

1. Conduct field research: Undertake fieldwork activities in the Western Congo Basin, including wildlife sampling (focusing on bats, rodents, and other relevant species), camera trapping, and environmental data collection. This may also involve sampling from bushmeat in wildlife markets.
2. Zoonotic pathogen surveillance: Design and implement studies to investigate zoonotic pathogens.
3. Data analysis and interpretation: Analyse ecological, molecular, and social science data to understand disease dynamics, species distribution, and human-wildlife interactions in the region.
4. Community and stakeholder engagement: Collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to integrate local knowledge and ensure equitable, participatory approaches in research. Support knowledge-sharing with consortium partners and stakeholders.
5. Collaboration and networking: Build strong working relationships with ZSL colleagues and external partners, contributing to consortium meetings and cross-disciplinary projects.
6. Dissemination of research: Publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present research at national and international conferences. Contribute to science communication efforts, including public outreach and policy briefings.
7. Capacity building and training: Contribute to training and capacity building efforts in the region by supporting local partners, researchers, and conservation practitioners, e.g., in field techniques, data management, and/or laboratory diagnostics.
8. Project Management: Assist in the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate students, contribute to project reporting, and ensure that research milestones and deliverables are met on time.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time that are in line with the level of the role.

About You:

Experience:
• A PhD in a relevant field and experience working in the area of One Health research.
• Proven track record of publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research in relevant areas.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with transdisciplinary teams, including local communities and governmental organizations.

Knowledge and skills:
• Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases, and the One Health framework.
• Excellent scientific writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality publications and reports.
• Ability to communicate confidently and clearly with a wide range of people, including effective report writing, presentation, and training skills.

Additional requirements:
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field sites in the Western Congo Basin, sometimes under challenging conditions.
• Strong commitment to ZSL’s values, including collaboration, inclusivity, ethical conduct, and conservation impact.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to unexpected challenges in field and project settings.
• Commitment to health and safety policies and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

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.