Senior Scientific Officer - Aquaculture

Overview

At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve a good life. We work for the benefit of every animal – whether companion, wild, farmed, or animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a positive difference to the lives of animals.

We are looking for a new team member as a Senior Scientific and Policy Officer (SSPO) to lead our work on aquaculture
, where you will work with a dedicated team of other leading farm animal welfare experts.

• Defining Excellence:
  You will write and evolve the welfare standards that dictate how salmon and trout are raised and treated - ensuring they are leading the way and spearheading positive change.
• High Level Advocacy:
  You will represent the RSPCA in Parliament, at international conferences, and in the media.
• Industry Transformation:
  You will proactively engage with key retailers, governments, likeminded NGOs and other key stakeholders to push the boundaries of what is possible in fish welfare.
• Thought Leadership:
  You will provide technical expertise to key stakeholders nationally and internationally, including Eurogroup for Animals.
• Innovation:
  You will explore new technologies and opportunities to ensure the RSPCA remains at the front edge of improving the lives of farmed fish.

• A high level of farmed fish production and welfare knowledge.
• Hands‑on experience of working with farm animals in a commercial environment.
• Project management experience.
• Experience of developing standards.
• Excellent communication, relationship and influencing skills.
• Experience of presenting to the media, government bodies, and at large scale conferences.
• The ability to navigate internal and external challenges with a self‑motivated, "world-changing" mindset.

Working hours:

35 hours per week - Monday to Friday.

Hybrid role: remote + at least one day per month in Horsham office.

Contract:

Permanent.

Closing date: 8 February.

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under‑represented at the RSPCA.

Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Interviews will be held in person on the 24th and the 25th of February.