About this role
A bit about us
We are looking for a new team member to join us as a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer (SSPO) for Ruminants within our Science and Policy team.
Working hours: 35 hours / Monday – Friday
Location: Horsham Hub & Home-based
Hybrid role: With a requirement to travel to Horsham once a month, and some UK travel for farm visits.
Please note that due to travel requirements a full drivers license is essential for this position.
As a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer, you'll use your expertise and knowledge to help shape RSPCA policy, influence positive change and support the development of welfare standards for ruminants, including dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.
Here's what the process looks like, no surprises, just a friendly guide:
ApplicationYou'll be asked to answer 3 questions to give us a sense of your experience, skills, and potential. Don't worry if you don't tick every box - what really matters is what you can bring to the role and the team.Panel InterviewIf your application is successful, you'll be invited to a panel interview with the Hiring Manager. This is a chance to:Share more about your experience, expertise and achievements in farm animal welfareTalk about how you've influenced policy, standards, research or practiceDemonstrate your ability to communicate complex scientific information to different audiencesAsk questions about the role, the team and the impact you could make. Interviews are a two-way conversation, and we recognise that any career move needs to feel right for you as well as for us.Show off your skills and behaviours in a relaxed, supportive setting
What a day might look like for you
Here at RSPCA, no two days are the same. As a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer for Ruminants, you'll work across a varied portfolio of scientific, policy and welfare issues relating to ruminants, including dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.
You could start your day by reviewing new scientific evidence or preparing a briefing on an emerging welfare issue. You might then provide specialist advice to colleagues or RSPCA Assured, helping them understand and apply higher welfare standards in practice.
A key part of the role will be using your expertise and communication skills to influence positive change. You may represent the RSPCA at government and non-governmental meetings, technical committees and working groups, contributing to discussions around legislation, policy and improved farming practices.
You'll also have opportunities to represent the RSPCA through presentations, conferences and media interviews (after training), responding to questions and challenges with clear, evidence-based information.
Research will form another important part of your work. You'll help initiate and coordinate research projects, including farm trials, contribute to technical steering groups and identify developments in science that could have an impact on welfare.
You'll work collaboratively across the RSPCA and with external organisations, supporting projects and initiatives that bring together research, advocacy and public awareness. You'll also have the opportunity to create and deliver training for colleagues, including RSPCA Assured Assessors.
For a full insight into the role and responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.
What will help you succeed in this role:
We're looking for someone who combines strong scientific and practical expertise with excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. You'll have a genuine interest in farmed animal welfare and the ability to use evidence and expertise to drive positive change.
You'll have a broad and contemporary understanding of livestock farming systems and the key welfare issues affecting ruminants. You'll also have a strong understanding of ruminant production and welfare, alongside theoretical and practical knowledge of on-farm welfare assessment and hands-on experience of working with one or more ruminant species.
You'll be confident analysing scientific and technical information and turning it into clear, credible advice. You'll have experience preparing and delivering presentations and reports for different audiences and be comfortable adapting your communication style depending on who you're working with.
Relationship building will be important in this role. You'll be able to work effectively with colleagues, government, farming organisations, scientists, animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders, including where discussions may be challenging or views differ. You'll bring strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to maintain robust and well-reasoned arguments while remaining constructive and professional.
We're looking for someone who can think strategically while also being comfortable working independently and as part of a wider team. Experience of leadership, people management or supervision would also be valuable.
Above all, you'll share our commitment to improving farmed animal welfare and have the confidence, credibility and passion to represent the RSPCA and its policies both internally and externally.
You'll also be comfortable using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email and online research tools as part of your day-to-day work.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.
Final note from us & good luck with your application!
We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible
We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us so we can ensure the process works for you.