About the Role:

We are seeking an Applied Biotechnology and Reproduction Researcher to develop and oversee fundamental, physiological, and applied research and reproductive biotechnology projects mainly for threatened wildlife.

The role spans reproductive physiology, gamete and embryo technologies, cell-based approaches, and translating promising methods into conservation breeding practice. Working closely with veterinary, breeding and external research teams, the researcher will translate scientific findings into methods that support conservation breeding programmes across species.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and lead research projects in reproductive physiology, assisted reproduction, gamete and embryo biology, and related cell technologies.
• Develop and optimise methods for artificial insemination, cryopreservation, cell culture and genome resource banking.
• Assess the feasibility of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), embryo production and culture, and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where biologically appropriate.
• Design experiments, troubleshoot protocols, analyse results and maintain accurate, reproducible research records.
• Collaborate with veterinary and breeding teams to assess how research methods can be applied within operational conservation programmes.
• Coordinate research collaborations with external scientific partners.
• Prepare scientific publications and communicate research findings to relevant teams.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in reproductive biology, veterinary or animal sciences, developmental biology, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial research experience in reproductive physiology, assisted reproduction, gamete or embryo biology, reproductive cryobiology, or related cell technologies.
• Publication records relevant to the research areas covered by the role.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading experimental research projects.
• Practical expertise in one or more relevant areas, such as gamete and embryo technologies, artificial insemination, cryopreservation or cell culture.
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, protocol development and scientific documentation.
• Ability to coordinate collaborators and work effectively with scientific, veterinary and breeding teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, for reporting, data organisation and presentations.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and scientific data management tools.
• Strong written and spoken English, including the ability to write scientific reports and communicate with international research partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with wildlife, threatened species or non-model species.
• Experience supporting operational conservation breeding programmes.
• Direct experience in IVF, embryo production and culture, embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), SCNT or related cloning approaches.
• Experience in genome resource banking.
• Experience mentoring postgraduate students or junior researchers.