Wildlife Veterinarian & Research Associate

at  ZSL

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. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The purpose of this role is to provide veterinary support to the Vector-borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) project (www.vb-radar.com). This UKRI/Defra-funded project (BB/X017990/1) is led by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), with the Institute of Zoology, British Trust for Ornithology and UK Health Security Agency as co-investigating organisations. The project which began in 2023 aims to enhance surveillance for mosquito-borne viral diseases of wild birds in the UK, with primary focus on Usutu virus and West Nile virus detection. The role will include 1. Seasonal fieldwork visiting wild bird ringing sites for sample collection under ASPA Home Office license across southern and eastern England, and 2. Conducting pathological investigations of wild birds submitted from across Great Britain. The postholder will work closely with the Garden Wildlife Health project (www.gardenwildlifehealth.org) veterinary team at IoZ.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To visit field sites in southern and eastern England to collect diagnostic samples (e.g. buccal and/or cloacal swabs and/or blood samples) from wild birds under ASPA Home Office license in collaboration with licensed bird ringers.
• To conduct post-mortem examinations of wild birds.
• To appropriately store, transport and submit samples for molecular diagnostic testing and serological investigations conducted at APHA Weybridge.
• To develop and analyse databases of results, to prepare research reports and contribute to development of peer-reviewed publication outputs.