Senior Scientific & Policy Officer - Supporting Replacement (2509)

Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone's welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together, everyone for every animal.

Choose a career with us and make a difference.

We are looking for a new team member as a Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Supporting Replacement.

Location: Hybrid - You will work from home and will attend meetings at our London hub once every 6 weeks.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract - 36 Months.

Salary: £35,585 - £38,254 per annum (pro rata for part time). 

Hours: 35 hours per week, or part time- (minimum of 21 hours per week required).

Closing date: 17th October 2025.

We think this role's going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out - closing date is the 17th of October 2025.

The role of Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Supporting Replacement is an essential contributor to the RSPCA's work to champion the global replacement of animal experiments with humane, non-animal methods.

As a Senior Scientific and Policy Officer, you will provide the Society with knowledge and expertise, and increased advocacy capacity, that will aid our work to increase the uptake of non-animal technologies (NATs) and new approach methodologies (NAMs) in science. The postholder will have a particular focus on making progress on this in academic institutions (e.g. universities). 

Specifically, the postholder will aid our understanding and help us to promote the policy changes, including central and institutional support, that are needed to enable scientists currently using animals in research, to move to non-animal methods and approaches. This may include a focus on the application of human behaviour change techniques in improving awareness, attitudes, motivation and practices. In addition, the SSPO will contribute to our work with the scientific community to challenge whether and how animals are currently used.

The role can be mainly home based, but it will involve travel to meetings, some of which would include overnight stays within the UK and in other countries.

Here's a snapshot of some of the key work you'll be doing: 

You will help drive the Society's efforts, working with a range of key stakeholders, aimed at overcoming the current barriers and challenges researchers have - especially those within academia - in transitioning to non-animal technologies (NATs) and new approach methodologies (NAMs) in science. Your role will include:

• A primary focus on developing and undertaking activities, relevant to specific research fields and more generally within academia, based on the findings from our report ‘Supporting Replacement in Academia - Exploring barriers around the acceptance and uptake of non-animal methods in science in UK academia', and our associated stakeholder workshops. 
• Reviewing and analysing relevant articles, resources and reports from others to further develop our insights into the perceived and actual barriers to scientists acquiring information about feasible non-animal alternative methods, and to their acceptance and uptake.
• Obtaining information from, liaising and expanding contacts with, relevant individuals and organisations involved in animal use and/or the use of NATs and NAMs, as appropriate, with the aim of helping to identify, propose, co-create, advocate for and/or achieve implementation of, practical actions for overcoming some of the barriers highlighted to the faster development and uptake of alternative, non-animal methods, in the UK and internationally.

We think this is a great role and to add value we are seeking a match of these skills, but don't worry if you don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you.

• A proven ability to work on own initiative, be self-organised and able to work independently
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present information clearly in the form of talks, and long and short written communications at a range of technical levels
• The ability to review and help redefine a project as it progresses, when necessary
• Qualified to MSc or PhD level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline e.g. in the life sciences or social sciences
• Proven track record within a relevant scientific discipline
• In depth knowledge of ‘how science is done', including in relation to specific research fields where animals are currently used; the governing structures and frameworks involved; funding processes; career development pathways and opportunities for scientists
• An understanding of the challenges and incentives facing scientists at different stages of their careers; the role and influence of scientific journals and professional bodies etc
• Demonstrable awareness and understanding of current animal use in research, testing and education
• An appropriate level of knowledge of how animal experiments are regulated in the UK, EU and internationally 
• A proven knowledge of the principle of the 3Rs and animal welfare and ethical issues associated with the use of animals in science.

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 - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

First stage interviews will take place on the 4th of November, with second interviews taking place on the 10th. Our interview process will involve competency based interview questions and a task.

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 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! 

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect