Conservation Physiology and Reproduction Industry Placement Full-time 12 month industrial placement commencing September 2025 Are you excited by the prospect of gaining invaluable work experience with one of Europe s leading Zoological collections? This placement is based in Chester Zoo s Wildlife Endocrinology Diagnostic Lab, part of our International Centre for Zoo Science. We conduct applied research to support animal management here at Chester Zoo and with wider European breeding programmes, developing and applying techniques to measure hormones and biomarkers to help assess and manage reproduction, health and well-being in a wide variety of species. This placement will provide experience working in a busy laboratory environment focused on supporting our focus areas of Animal Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Populations. It is most suited to a placement student interested in reproductive physiology and animal well-being, who is looking to gain unique lab-based training at one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission of Preventing Extinction. What you ll be doing Working with the Conservation Physiology and Reproduction Team to accomplish tasks, the industrial placement student will: Assist with the day-to-day activities of Chester Zoo s Wildlife Endocrinology Diagnostic Lab Gain laboratory skills, including: sample preparation, hormone extraction and enzymeimmunoassay Learn how to interpret and analyse hormone data Participate in diagnostic and research projects that aim to understand factors that influence reproductive health and well-being Conduct a specific Conservation Physiology research project to support animal management at Chester Zoo. This could be in an area related to non-invasive wildlife endocrinology methodology, reproductive or adrenal physiology. There will also be an opportunity to present the findings to Chester Zoo staff. The Work Placement The year in industry placement is for a period of up to 12 months commencing in September 2025 Full Training with the Conservation & Science Teams Uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for the days you attend Monthly stipends of up to 120 per month may be payable based on appropriate expenses Full Time Hours (40 hours per week), alternatives can be discussed if you are successfully shortlisted A bursary may be available upon a successful application Our Requirements Interest in learning or advancing a range of laboratory skills Interest in reproductive physiology/endocrinology or animal well-being A desire to learn how science can be used to support conservation breeding programmes Good organisational skills, an ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and take pride in what you do Excellent communication skills, via written and oral methods The ability to search for, and synthesise, scientific literature Experience using basic Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and statistical software such as R This opportunity is only available to those studying at a UK university on a degree programme with an industrial year. All industrial placements are full-time voluntary positions for 12 months, commencing September 2025. Althoughno direct animal contact takes place in this role, you will attend monthly workshops to gain wider knowledge of modern zoo management. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Interested in applying? To apply for this opportunity, click the apply for job button on this page where you ll need to submit an academic CV detailing your relevant skills and university and degree programme, and a 1-2 page covering letter detailing your interest in and suitability for this placement.