Job opportunities

BIAZA ABTWG Research liaison officer

CONTEXT:

This is an unpaid post for which you must have institutional support and your collection must be a BIAZA member. The post is within ABTWG which is part of The British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria’s (BIAZA) Species Advisory Committee (SAC). As Research Liaison Officer, you will report to the Co-Chairs and Vice-chair of ABTWG.

The research liaison officer is a voluntary role within the ABTWG designed to strengthen the link between scientific research, species appropriate enrichment practices and practical animal training approaches within the zoo community. The primary focus is on supporting evidence-based behaviour management to enhance animal welfare and ensure compliance with UK zoo standards, including BIAZA guidelines, the Zoo licencing Act and the new SSMZP. The role also contributes to broader zoo initiatives by promoting best practice and collaboration across collections.

 

ROLE SUMMARY:

• Monitor and review current scientific literature on animal behaviour, training techniques and enrichment.
• Identify research opportunities that supports the development of effective, ethical and modern behaviour management protocols.
• Knowledge translation and support – translate complex research into clear, actionable insights for the animal trainer and care teams.
• Assist in creating and sharing resources including data collection, case study development and involvement with the delivery of webinars and workshops.
• Support the Animal Behaviour and Training Working Group and act a a link between them and the Research Committee.
• Attend meetings for both the ABTWG and Research Committee and pass on relevant notes/ minutes between the 2 groups.
• To assist, when requested, in dealing with all general enquiries, administration and paperwork relating to the working group in a timely, professional and organized manner.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proactive individual who is keen to assist on developing ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the working group.
• Good understanding of the scientific method and ability to interpret scientific papers.
• Awareness of current zoo regulations.
• Proficiency in using literature databases and tools.
• Effectively and efficiently work as an individual and within a team.