Research Scientist - Cat Behaviour and Welfare

Location: Remote in the UK with occasional travel and overnight stays 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

Contract: 6 months fixed term contract 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Research Scientist 

• Work on cat population and welfare research projects, both within Cats Protection and with external partners, to improve knowledge, assessment and outcomes for cat welfare.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of research projects aligned with the charity’s objectives.
• Lead qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and reporting, including scientific publications, while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Conduct literature reviews to provide evidence-based recommendations and best practice guidance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Carry out fieldwork and site visits to collect research data where required.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development and adoption of welfare assessment tools.
• Provide research expertise, analysis and support to colleagues across Cat Welfare, Operations and other directorates.
• Represent Cats Protection at conferences, events and other external engagements.

About the Research team: 

• The Cat Welfare Research Team manages, delivers and shares feline welfare research across Cats Protection, helping develop understanding of cat welfare at both population and individual levels, including epidemiology, demography and welfare assessment.
• The team provides scientific expertise through high-quality, ethical research, ensuring resources are focused on projects that align with research priorities and deliver the greatest long-term benefit to cat welfare.

What we’re looking for:

• PhD qualification in animal behaviour, animal welfare, human-animal interactions, veterinary medicine, biological science or related subject 
• Worked on both quantitative and qualitative research projects 
• Undertaken animal welfare studies including first author publications 
• Applied animal welfare and husbandry experience, e.g., in shelter/zoo/animal charity/veterinary/ unowned/community context 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral 
• High level of IT literacy including the ability to analyse complex data to a high level of accuracy and produce reports in a clear and precise format 

What we can offer you:

• Health and wellbeing support to help you stay well while working remotely 
• Flexible working options to support a healthy work–life balance  
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service  
• A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance
• Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health  
• Learn more about our full reward package: here 

Application closing date: 30 October 2026 

Virtual interview date: 13, 16 and 17 November 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 
2. Virtual interview and presentation 

Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation - where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals' experience and can reach and partner all areas of society - is crucial if we're to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

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