Science Policy Advisor
Position Objective:
To lead policy and research projects related to animal testing to support PETA’s advocacy for ending the use of animals in experiments
Term of Employment:
Full-time, temporary (maternity leave cover until December 2025)
Location:
Remote (UK)
Reports To:
Director, Science Department
Salary:
£34,000 – £47,000
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
In consultation and verified compliance with the objectives, standards, and requirements of PETA, PETA France, PETA US, and PETA Science Consortium International e.V, the successful candidate will undertake the following:
- Independently research and interpret a variety of scientific, political, policy-driven, and other issues related to animal testing in order to further PETA’s goals
- Build networks and coordinate meetings with key policymakers and other stakeholders
- Write factsheets, white papers, reports, correspondence, and other literature#
- Build relationships and maintain communication with key audiences, particularly decision-makers in the legislative and administrative arenas
- Lead meetings with parliamentarians, companies, and legislators and present at conferences
- Develop expertise in non-animal testing methods and draw upon the expertise of others
- Respond to correspondence regarding issues related to animal testing
- Conduct analyses of technical papers and legislation and translate scientific and legal terminology into lay terms for use in research projects
- Identify opportunities to provide public comments that promote non-animal testing approaches and lead the writing and presentation of these comments
- Represent PETA at public-speaking engagements, in debates, to the media, and to the general public
- Communicate PETA’s philosophy to the public
- Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications:
- Degree in a related field – a master’s and/or PhD is preferred
- Experience working at a relevant organisation or institute, such as an animal protection organisation, the civil service, a regulatory agency, or a biotechnology, chemical, pharmaceutical, or medical device company, is desirable
- Demonstrable experience of the functioning of Parliament
- Familiarity with the use of animals in laboratories, associated legislation, and alternatives to animal testing
- Proven ability to maintain awareness of relevant political, social, and economic developments
- Proven ability to brief colleagues and other relevant stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research
- Proven excellent writing and research skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proven attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, and ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Proven ability to make sound, independent judgements
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of scientists, parliamentarians, industry representatives, the public, and other stakeholders
- Exceptional public-speaking and networking skills
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Willingness and ability to travel, as needed
- Professional appearance
- Support for PETA’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for PETA’s positions on issues in a professional manner
- Commitment to the objectives of the organisation