Job opportunities

BIAZA Social Science working group member

BIAZA Social Science Working Group (SSWG) 

 The BIAZA SSWG works to support members in all areas relating to research involving the social sciences, where social science is the study of humans, society and social relationships. The SSWG sits underneath the BIAZA Research Committee and works closely with other relevant BIAZA groups to provide BIAZA members resources and guidance. 

 The SSWG provides a hub and a focal point for the consideration of zoo and aquarium research involving human participants in all its manifestations, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between individuals and organisations in the zoo and academic communities. The group’s current work focus is the development and delivery of a number of “snapshot” resources, including, awareness and reflection of social science as an important area for zoo research, best practise methodology for a broad range of social science research and ethical considerations to working with human participants. Further to this, we are actively working to increase the accessibility of social science to BIAZA members and will be exploring additional ways to reach members in the medium term e.g., through webinars and workshops. 

 The SSWG is looking to expand in order to ensure resources can be developed and successfully delivered to BIAZA members. We are looking for support to maximise our reach and impact. The group is particularly looking for members with social science expertise who are enthusiastic about science communication, condensing complex ideas into understandable language to an audience with mixed experiences. We would like new members who have the capacity to contribute towards resource development, delivery and working with the Research Engagement Group for social media content (e.g., the sharing or relevant research).  

SSWG Member Role Description   

SSWG members support the group Chair in achieving the groups objectives through:  

• Supporting the Chair and group in working with the BIAZA Office to create and review progress towards an SSWG action plan or strategy following the BIAZA strategy.  
• Attending SSWG meetings. These take place at least twice a year (often January & June) and are usually held online, although in person meetings may take place occasionally. Additional meetings may be held as needed to facilitate achieving objectives.  
• Cooperation and collaboration with other BIAZA Committees and Working Groups. Responding to, advising on, and contributing to resource and best practice guidance production/development. 
• Contributing to relevant BIAZA communications and resources e.g., articles for the BIAZA website, updates for BIAZA BiteSize newsletter, blogs, social media content, presenting at conferences/workshops/webinars etc.   
• Supporting the Chair and BIAZA Office in responding to ad-hoc queries from the membership.  

 Members serve for an initial term of not more than three years but may be re-elected for a second three-year term to usually serve up to a maximum period of six consecutive years.