We are hiring for two International Research roles, one focused on rabies, and the other on dog population management and animal welfare. Both are hybrid roles, with a mixture of remote work and being based in our Dorset Office in Cranborne. Please find full details of both roles below. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to applications@wvs.org.uk.
International Research Officer - Rabies
Location: UK based, hybrid role with a mixture of remote work and being based in our Dorset Office in Cranborne.
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Rabies Research Lead & the Director of Strategy.
Job Summary:
The International Research Officer for Rabies will be part of a research team dedicated to studying and combating dog rabies. The individual will be responsible for assisting with developing and executing a research agenda, being part of an international research team, who design and implement studies with appropriate ethical approvals, and collaborate with operational teams on rabies control and surveillance. The role also involves data analysis and academic writing. The position is affiliated with the University of Edinburgh (U of E) through a collaboration between WVS and U of E. The role will involve contributing to this collaboration and strategizing an approach with the rest of the team to maximise impact through the shared research agenda.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with Research Strategy and Agenda Development:
Be part of the research team which develops and refines a comprehensive research strategy focused on unlocking solutions to dog population control and surveillance at scale.
Help identify research priorities and design studies that address key issues in dog rabies transmission, control, and prevention.
Study Design and Implementation:
Work with the Rabies Research Lead to design robust epidemiological studies and interventions to assess and address the spread of dog rabies.
Oversee the ethical approval process, ensuring all research activities comply with local and international standards.
Ensure the proper documentation and monitoring of all research activities.
Data Management and Analysis:
Assist the team to collate, manage, and analyse research data using appropriate statistical tools and software.
Interpret results, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to improve rabies control strategies.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Work with the Rabies Research Lead and other internal teams, external researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to align research efforts with operational needs.
Sustain and develop the collaboration between WVS and U of E, fostering a shared research agenda.
Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and meetings to present findings and discuss rabies control strategies.
Academic Writing and Publications:
Work with the Rabies Research Lead to write and publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Support research assistants, students, and collaborators in drafting manuscripts, abstracts, and other scientific communications.
Ensure that research outputs are disseminated effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Capacity Building and Mentorship:
Provide mentorship and support to junior researchers, students, and research assistants.
Organise and conduct training sessions and workshops on behalf of the Rabies Research Lead to enhance the research capabilities of the team.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
Provide regular updates and reports to the Rabies Research Lead & senior management team on the progress and outcomes of research activities.
Ensure compliance with all grant and funding requirements.
Qualifications:
PhD or equivalent in Epidemiology, Public Health, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
Proven experience in leading and being part of research projects, preferably in infectious diseases or zoonotic diseases.
Strong background in study design, data analysis, and epidemiological methods.
Experience in being part of a research team in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to work collaboratively with Mission Rabies and WVS operational teams and external stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency in script based statistical analysis software R and R studio.
Desirable:
Experience in rabies control programs or other zoonotic disease research.
Experience working in low- and middle-income countries.
Familiarity with ethical standards and protocols for conducting research involving animals.
Passion for improving animal welfare and promoting sustainable, humane DPM practices.
Ability to think strategically about maximising the impact of the WVS-UoE collaboration and advancing the global research agenda.
Working Conditions:
The role will be UK based at our Dorset office, however with periods of potential travel. These may include visits to project sites for planning and implementing data collection and to collaborate with institutions to build relationships and shared programs of work, including U of E.
Full time 40 hours per week. Expectation of working at least one day every fortnight from the Dorset WVS office as a minimum.
Salary: £45,000 + pending experience.
International Research Manager Dog Population (DPM) and Welfare
Location: UK based, hybrid role with a mixture of remote work and being based in our Dorset Office in Cranborne.
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Strategy
Job Summary:
The International Research Manager for Dog Population and Welfare will oversee and manage a research team dedicated to studying and combating these areas. The individual will be responsible for developing and executing a research agenda, managing an international research team, designing and implementing studies with appropriate ethical approvals, and collaborating with operational teams on humane dog population management projects. The role also involves data analysis, academic writing, communicating recommendations to government, and supporting the professional development of researchers and students. The position is affiliated with the University of Edinburgh (UoE) through a collaboration between WVS and UoE. The role will involve sustaining this collaboration and strategizing an approach to maximise impact through the shared research agenda.
Key Responsibilities:
Research Strategy and Agenda Development:
Develop and refine a comprehensive research strategy focused on unlocking effective solutions to dog population management at scale.
Identify research priorities and design studies that address key issues in dog population management, provision of veterinary services, and animal welfare.
Project Management:
Lead the implementation of research projects, ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals.
Manage a team of in-country research assistants and fellows, providing guidance, support, and ensuring the quality and consistency of data collection.
Coordinate with operational teams to integrate research findings into on the ground dog population control projects and surveillance efforts.
Study Design and Implementation:
Design robust studies and interventions to assess and address challenges around the understanding, implementation and evaluation of dog population management interventions and provision of veterinary services to uphold animal welfare.
Oversee the ethical approval process, ensuring all research activities comply with local and international standards.
Ensure the proper documentation and monitoring of all research activities.
Data Management and Analysis:
Lead the collation, management, and analysis of research data using appropriate statistical tools and software.
Interpret results, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to improve dog population management strategies.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with internal teams, external researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to align research efforts with operational needs.
Sustain and develop the collaboration between WVS and the University of Edinburgh (UoE), fostering a shared research agenda.
Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and meetings to present findings and discuss dog population management and welfare strategies.
Academic Writing and Publications:
Lead the writing and publication of research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Support research assistants, students, and collaborators in drafting manuscripts, abstracts, and other scientific communications.
Ensure that research outputs are disseminated effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Capacity Building and Mentorship:
Provide mentorship and support to junior researchers, students, and research assistants.
Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance the research capabilities of the team.
Possible involvement with development and execution of the WVS Early Careers Research Fellowship.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
Provide regular updates and reports to senior management and funders on the progress and outcomes of research activities.
Ensure compliance with all grant and funding requirements.
Qualifications:
PhD or equivalent in Epidemiology, Public Health, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
Proven experience in leading research projects, preferably in dog population management, infectious diseases or zoonotic diseases.
Strong background in study design, data analysis, and epidemiological methods.
Experience in managing and mentoring research teams in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to work collaboratively with Mission Rabies and WVS operational teams and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency in script based statistical analysis software (e.g., R)
Desirable:
Experience in humane dog population management programs or other zoonotic disease research.
Experience working in low- and middle-income countries.
Familiarity with ethical standards and protocols for conducting research involving animals.
Passion for improving animal welfare and promoting sustainable, humane DPM practices.
Ability to think strategically about maximizing the impact of the WVS-UoE collaboration and advancing the global research agenda.
Working Conditions:
The role will be UK based at our Dorset office, however with periods of potential travel. These may include visits to project sites for planning and implementing data collection and to collaborate with institutions to build relationships and shared programs of work, including U of E.
Full time 40 hours per week. Expectation of working at least one day every fortnight from the Dorset WVS office as a minimum.
Salary: £45,000 + pending experience.