Research Internship - Indicators and Assessments Unit

The Indicators and Assessments Unit at the Zoological Society of London is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience with one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. The unit is involved in a number of globally focused conservation projects, specifically the Sampled Red List Index, Living Planet Index and National Red List project.

The IUCN Sampled Red List Index (SRLI) and the Living Planet Index (LPI) enable conservationists and policy-makers to
determine whether targets to reduce biodiversity loss, such as those set by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Millennium Development Goals, are being met. The SRLI is based on IUCN Red List assessments from a wide range of species groups, including large numbers of invertebrates, in order to give a picture broadly representative of biodiversity as a whole. The LPI, developed in collaboration with WWF, is a global biodiversity indicator based on population trends of vertebrate species, providing a broad scope for population analysis. The National Red List project builds networks and knowledge for national conservation decision making and acts as a focal point for national red lists and action plans. The database comprises over 70,000 species accounts from 45 regions globally, supported by network information, mapping tools and case studies.

Though each successful candidate will focus on a specific role within the unit, these six-month internship positions will provide ample opportunity to gain experience across the different projects run by the Indicators and Assessments Unit. Tasks include: collaborating with a network of international scientists and species experts to compile data, and review and validate IUCN Red List assessments of invertebrate species, specifically dung beetles; preparation of conservation assessment documentation to submit to the IUCN, including the creation of distribution maps in GIS; collecting and entering population time series data into the LPI database and using mapping and statistical techniques to analyse patterns in population trends; managing the National Red List database, which will include general maintenance and updating of the website, uploading existing data from
National Red Lists, expanding the National Red List network and seeking new data partners and funding opportunities. The role will also include updating the Indicator and Assessments Unit website with latest news and results.

Candidates will ideally have an undergraduate degree or above in biology, zoology, ecology, conservation biology or a related subject. They should be IT proficient and should have exceptional attention to detail, along with strong research, analytical and communication skills and an ability to work independently. Database experience is highly desirable, particularly a working knowledge of SQL. Knowledge of GIS would also be an advantage, though training is provided.

Please note that these six-month positions are for five days a week, ideally following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm. The internships are offered on a voluntary basis, although lunch and travel expenses (monthly travelcard, zones 1-6) will be reimbursed.

Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the roles, and CV to Monika Böhm (monika.bohm@ioz.ac.uk) and Louise McRae (louise.mcrae@ioz.ac.uk) by THURSDAY 25^th of APRIL 2013.

You will be contacted by the FRIDAY 26^th of APRIL 2013 if you have been selected for an interview.

Interviews will be held on THURSDAY 2^nd MAY 2013, with a start date of 13th of MAY 2013.