Head Veterinarian, King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

Head Veterinarian, King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is recruiting for the position of Head Veterinarian at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Saudi Arabia. ZSL have been managing KKWRC for the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) since 1987. The Centre’s major activities comprise running the largest captive breeding programmes in the world for mountain gazelles, Arabian sand gazelles and Nubian ibex. Ecological, epidemiological and genetic research is carried out on these captive animals and wild populations in protected areas across Saudi Arabia. KKWRC has carried out reintroductions into three protected areas in Saudi Arabia and continues to monitor these populations whilst planning future reintroductions. There is a programme of conservation science research and monitoring inside protected areas across Saudi Arabia.

ZSL is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced, strongly motivated individual who is able to work both independently and as part of a broader team. Candidates should ideally be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), and a relevant post-graduate qualification, such as a Masters in Wild Animal Health or Conservation Medicine, is highly desirable. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of delivering veterinary care to captive collections, preferably of threatened species, and ideally some experience with those (or closely related) species at KKWRC (gazelles, oryx and ibex). They should have some international experience, and be able to demonstrate the ability to adapt to working in isolated conditions and a hot desert environment. Fluent spoken and written English is essential and Arabic is of benefit.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of animal health and disease monitoring of the conservation breeding programme at KKWRC. They will supervise the work of two experienced vets and work closely with the wider KKWRC team, especially the Living Collections Manager and the Laboratory Manager. A key component of the job is to supervise and undertake field and laboratory based research into wildlife diseases relevant to the conservation objectives of KKWRC and the Saudi Wildlife Authority. This research includes completing existing projects, developing new research and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The position is a one year fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal each year thereafter. The post will be based at KKWRC in Thumamah, 1 hour outside of Riyadh, with some time spent in the field, often in remote areas. Accommodation is provided at KKWRC. The salary range is SR180,000-SR216,000 (approx. £30,000-£36,000) (tax free) commensurate with experience, with 60 calendar days leave per annum.

Application procedure

The post is available from 1^st January 2015.  Applications should send a full CV (maximum 3 pages) and covering letter detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability, by email to hr@zsl.org. We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview. Closing date: 1st December 2014.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.