We are hiring for an International Research role, focused on dog population management and animal welfare. This is a hybrid role, with a mixture of remote work and being based in our Dorset Office in Cranborne. Please find full details below. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to applications@wvs.org.uk.
Please note this role is UK based and applicants must have the right to work in UK.
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.