About the Role
This is a 12 month fixed term Senior Scientific Officer role focused on pig welfare, with the chance to shape evidence based policy and welfare standards for the RSPCA. It is a hybrid position, with home working and attendance at a team meeting in the Horsham or London hub once a month.
You'll be acting as a lead technical voice on pig welfare, balancing scientific evidence with practical farming realities and economic considerations. The role suits someone who is ready to step up into a more senior position or an established specialist who wants to lead policy work with real world impact.
Hours are 35 per week, Monday to Friday, and reduced hours or flexible working options can be discussed.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, revise and promote the RSPCA welfare standards for pigs.
- Shape, communicate and implement farm animal welfare policy and strategic goals for pig species.
- Lead the revision and expansion of species specific welfare standards using scientific evidence, welfare outcome assessments and input from Technical Advisory Groups.
- Provide scientific advice, briefings and reports to the RSPCA Inspectorate, RSPCA Assured, Council committees and government bodies such as Defra and the Animal Welfare Committee.
- Represent the RSPCA in government working groups, industry panels, scientific conferences and broadcast media interviews.
Requirements
- A Master's degree in a relevant scientific field, such as Animal, Agricultural or Welfare Science, or a Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of equivalent relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge of pig production, farming systems and on farm welfare assessment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor scientific concepts for different audiences.
- Proven diplomatic skills and experience working constructively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience in developing welfare standards, participating in technical committees and managing research or advocacy projects.
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- Salary of £30,670 to £36,083.
- 12 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.
- 35 hour working week, Monday to Friday.
- Reduced hours and flexible working options can be discussed.
- Hybrid working, with one team meeting each month in the Horsham or London hub.
- 25 days holiday.
- Pension scheme.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Occupational sick pay.
- Life assurance.
- Dog friendly policies.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Discount schemes.
- Professional development.
- Family friendly policies.
About the Practice
This role sits within the RSPCA, a UK charity working to improve animal welfare. The post is based within its South East and London hub, with team meetings held in Horsham or London.
The organisation also states that it actively encourages applications from a wide diversity of backgrounds, particularly from people from minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, and offers adjustments during the recruitment process if needed.
