Partula Snail Technician (Full-time / 4 months FTC)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

A temporary opportunity has arisen to join the Veterinary Department at ZSL London Zoo, based in the Pathology Laboratory in the Welcome Building. With a huge and diverse Living Collection of animals across two sites, investigating illness and mortality is a key role of the department, and having an in-house Pathology team is an essential part of achieving this.

ZSL is looking for a suitable biologist or vet to undertake health screening of captive Partula snail populations prior to their export to French Polynesia and eventual reintroduction to the wild. The role will involve performing post mortem examinations on snails, collecting a range of samples for diagnostic tests, carrying out a variety of laboratory tests on these samples, along with fresh faecal samples from live snails, recording and analysing all results (including histopathological results from external labs) and preparing a final report which should relate to the Disease Risk Analysis carried out for the reintroduction.

• Have experience of working in a laboratory – specifically prior experience of: post mortem examinations (previous examinations of invertebrates would be an advantage), basic bacteriological and parasitological diagnostic methods, and collection, labelling and cataloguing of diagnostic samples.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets and databases.
• Proficient using a computer and IT equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly, to show initiative and to willingly take on responsibilities.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to organise and prioritise effectively.

Please Note: This is a full-time, fixed-term contract expected to run from till September 2017.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button on the following link. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st May 2017.

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