International Research Officer - Rabies

Location: UK based, hybrid role with a mixture of remote work and being based in our Dorset Office in Cranborne. Must have the right to work in the UK.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Capacity Building and Mentorship:

• Provide mentorship and support to junior researchers, students, and research assistants

7. 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.
• 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.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in script based statistical analysis software R and R studio.

Full job description can be found on our website https://wvs.org.uk/news/international-research/ and applications should be sent to: applications@wvs.org.uk via the 'Apply' button above.

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