We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Senior Research Scientist
- Be the workstream lead for feline welfare and behaviour research within Cats Protection, including the development of cutting-edge welfare assessment tools and the dissemination of these throughout the charity
- Responsible for the management of a small team of research scientists and will have oversight of all day-to-day activities taking place within this team
- Work both internally in Cats Protection and in collaboration with academics and other organisations to increase the knowledge and data on feline welfare
About the Research team:
- The Cat Welfare Research Team are responsible for the management, delivery and dissemination of feline welfare research throughout Cats Protection. The team supports the organisation in the development of cutting edge understanding on feline welfare both on a population and individual basis such as epidemiology, demography and welfare assessment
- The team are responsible for providing the charity with scientific expertise. They undertake and facilitate ethically sound domestic cat welfare research of high scientific rigour, ensuring Cats Protection resources are focused on projects that will bring greatest benefit to the charities research priorities and consequently have the greatest long-term impact on domestic cat welfare.
What we’re looking for in our Senior Research Scientist
- PhD qualification in veterinary medicine, biological science, animal behaviour and welfare, or related subject
- Experience undertaking animal welfare research studies including writing papers
- Experience in leading and developing a team
- Experience of using scientific evidence to inform policy and/or decision making
- Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders
What we can offer you:
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- 20% PetPlan insurance
- Life assurance from day one
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- and much more, which you can learn about here
Interested? Here’s how to apply:
Application closing date: 26th July 2026
Virtual interview date: 18th and 19th August 2026
Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
- anonymised application form
- virtual interview with presentation
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.
Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.
We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation – where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals’ experience and can reach and partner all areas of society – is crucial if we’re to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.
There’s a place for everyone at Cats Protection and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.
Cats Protection is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.