Voluntary research internships - The Indicators and Assessments Unit

The Indicators and Assessments Unit at the Zoological Society of London is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience with one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. The unit is involved in a number of globally focused conservation projects, specifically the Living Planet Index and National Red List project.

 The Living Planet Index (LPI) enables conservationists and policy-makers to determine whether targets to reduce biodiversity loss, such as those set by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Millennium Development Goals, are being met. The LPI, developed in collaboration with WWF, is a global biodiversity indicator based on population trends of vertebrate species, providing a broad scope for population analysis. The National Red List project builds networks and knowledge for national conservation decision making and acts as a focal point for national red lists and action plans. The database comprises close to 86,000 species accounts from across the globe, supported by network information, mapping tools and case studies. Specific tasks of this internship include: collecting and entering population time series data into the LPI database and using mapping and statistical techniques to analyse patterns in population trends; maintain and update the Living Planet database and website, as well as the Indicators and Assessments Unit website with latest news and results.

The National Red List project builds networks and knowledge for national conservation decision making and acts as a focal point for national red lists and action plans. The database comprises more than 100,000 species assessments from across the globe, supported by network information, mapping tools and case studies. Specific tasks include: managing the National Red List database, which will include general maintenance and updating of the website, uploading existing data from National Red Lists, expanding the National Red List network and seeking new data partners and funding opportunities; assisting other project staff with the writing of peer-reviewed publications; potentially database development.

Candidates will desirably have an undergraduate degree or above in biology, zoology, ecology, conservation biology or a related subject. They should be IT proficient and should have exceptional attention to detail, along with strong research, analytical and communication skills and an ability to work independently. Database experience is desirable for the National Red List position, particularly a working knowledge of SQL. Knowledge of GIS would also be an advantage, though training is provided. Finally, potential volunteers must be eligible to work in the U.K.

Please note that these six-month positions are ideally for five days a week, following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm. The positions are offered on a voluntary basis, although lunch and travel expenses (monthly travelcard, zones 1-6) will be reimbursed.

Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the roles, and CV to Louise McRae (louise.mcrae@ioz.ac.uk) by Thursday 4^th December 2014.

You will be contacted by Monday 8th December 2014 if you have been selected for an interview. Interviews will be held on Thursday 18^th December 2014, with a start date of Monday 5^th January 2015.