Postdoctoral Research Associate in One Health - Central Asia

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to investigate how protected and conserved areas in Central Asia (i.e., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) influence the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, contributing to the development of resilient landscapes within a One Health framework, that integrates effects on wildlife, humans and ecosystems.

The successful candidate will focus on sentinel species to understand patterns of disease risk and biodiversity dynamics. The role will involve both ecological and social science mix-method research, incorporating wildlife monitoring, pathogen surveillance, and human-wildlife interaction studies. The position requires collaboration with local communities, project partners, and governmental institutions, with an emphasis on capacity building and training to strengthen regional expertise in disease ecology and conservation.

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 wildlife monitoring efforts across Central Asia, focusing on a selection of sentinel species, and sample collection for pathogen identification.
2. Zoonotic pathogen surveillance: Design and implement studies to investigate zoonotic pathogens.
3. Human-Wildlife interaction research: Contribute to the design and implementation of questionnaires and surveys to assess human behaviour, land use practices, and their potential role in zoonotic spillover. Collaborate with project partners to ensure robust social science methodologies.
4. Data analysis and interpretation: Analyse ecological, epidemiological, and social science data to understand the relationships between biodiversity, land use, and disease emergence.
5. Collaboration and networking: Work closely with project partners and local communities to foster collaboration and share knowledge.
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 organisations.

Knowledge and skills:
• Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases, and the One Health framework.
• Strong 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 Central Asia, including remote and challenging environments.
• 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.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)-The contributions for the USS scheme are 8% employee contribution and 18% employer contribution.
• Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
• Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays
• Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
• Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.