Post Graduate Research Assistant - Seabird tracking biologist (Full-Time/3 Year Fixed Term Contract)

The Institute of Zoology (IoZ), the research arm of ZSL and affiliated to University College London, invites applications for a post graduate research assistant position to support a programme of research to understand how seabirds utilise the marine protected area (MPA) surrounding the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. This is currently the world’s largest ‘no-take’ MPA at 640,000 km2. The project commences in 2016 and involves extensive field work in the Chagos focusing on (i) monitoring the status and distribution of breeding seabirds across the archipelago, and (ii) tracking three species of Sulidae to establish their breeding season and non-breeding season foraging grounds (both within and outside of the MPA). The post will be for three years based at IoZ with time spent (~4 months a year) conducting field work in the Chagos.

In the Chagos field work will be conducted twice a year at three different island groups in the archipelago (north, central and south). Field work will involve surveys of seabird breeding colonies and the deployment and recovery of GPS tracking devices and light archival loggers (geolocators) on Brown, Masked and Red-footed boobies. At IoZ the work will focus on (i) prior to field trips - tag and field equipment preparation and (ii) post field trips - tag management, tracking data storage and preliminary mapping. Where necessary the relevant training will be provided for each of these activities.

Following the relevant in-house (at IoZ and in the Chagos) training the responsibilities will include:

• Preparation of field equipment and logistical planning for field trips;
• Preparation of tags, loggers and associated fixings for field trips;
• In-country (Chagos) logistics and timetabling of activities;
• Organise and conduct field work involving seabird monitoring and seabird tagging (tag deployment and recovery);
• Tag management, data archiving and mapping of tracking data.

(* Note: these responsibilities are likely to be shared with the project PhD student during the first two years and then become the responsibility of the PGRA in year three.)

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A higher degree in biological or environmental science or equivalent qualification or equivalent relevent work experience. An MSc would be desirable.
• Experience of field work in tropical (ideally island) systems.
• Experience of handling seabirds.
• Experience of deploying and recovering tracking devices from seabirds.
• Experience of analysing tracking data from either or both of GPS or geolocator loggers.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Experience of the statistical environment package ‘R’.
• Experience of the GIS systems ARCMAP or QGIS.

Please Note: Due to the remoteness and uninhabited status of the islands (bar Diego Garcia) field teams (consisting of 2-3 people) will spend up to two weeks at a time on island groups, being self-sufficient (there are no facilities), but with boat support as required. Unsociable and flexible working hours and travel outside of the UK will be necessary. Please see the full job description for further details.

A full job description for this role can be accessed here!

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. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight Friday 5th February 2016.

Anticipated Interview Date: 10th & 11th February 2016.

Anticipated Start Date: 1st April 2016.

For any informal questions about the post, please contact Malcolm Nicoll at malcolm.nicoll@ioz.ac.uk

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