The role of the Principal Research Scientist I (Advert Ref. WRTI/01/2026) involves leading the full scientific research cycle within the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), reporting to the Senior Principal Research Scientist II. The core objective is to undertake scientific research from research gap analysis to designing competitive concepts and proposals for grants and fund-raising, collecting and analysing data; translating findings into management and policy briefs that enhance wildlife management, reduce disease risks, and promote co-existence and resilience.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Senior Principal Research Scientist II, the job holder is responsible for undertaking a full scientific research cycle from research gap analysis to designing competitive concepts and proposals for grants and fund-raising, collecting and analysing data; translating findings into management and policy briefs that enhance wildlife management, reduce disease risks, and promote co-existence and resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Initiate the formulation, implementation, and review of wildlife research policies, strategy frameworks, standards, regulations, plans, guidelines, and procedures.
- Oversee the development and implementation of wildlife research and monitoring programmes, including ecological monitoring and disease surveillance, prevention, and control activities.
- Coordinate and undertake continuous monitoring of wildlife and ecosystem health.
- Conduct studies on livelihoods, human-wildlife co-existence, benefit sharing schemes, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), and community attitudes.
- Coordinate wildlife research data collation, synthesis, and translation into management reports and policy briefs for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation, and disseminate to stakeholders.
- Initiate the development of research funding proposals and resource mobilization for the implementation of wildlife research programs.
- Establish collaborations and partnerships with other institutions and stakeholders for information sharing, networking, innovations and technology transfer, and product development to support wildlife conservation and management.
- Coordinate the dissemination of scientific policy briefs and publications for utilization of the information.
- Identify wildlife research gaps and priorities through engagement of relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee the provision of information on early warning systems, disaster management, impacts and mitigation and adaptive strategies to climate change in wildlife conservation areas.
- Oversee the promotion of utilization and enterprise development of wildlife research findings.
- Participate in wildlife research symposia, conferences, workshops, and other meetings to promote the exchange of views on issues relating to wildlife research.
- Perform any other functions as may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications & Requirements
For appointment to this position, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
Education & Training:
- Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following disciplines: Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Botany & Zoology, Veterinary Medicine, Marine Biology & Oceanography, Marine Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Master of Science in any of the following disciplines: Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Limnology, Botany & Zoology, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Marine Sciences, Biological Sciences, Forest Management, Wildlife Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
Experience & Publications:
- Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been at the level of Research Scientist or in a comparable position.
- Published at least eight (8) scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters.
Competencies & Skills:
- Demonstrated a high degree of integrity, professional competence and capability for funds/grants mobilisation.
- Demonstrated skills in statistics and data analytics will be an added advantage.
- Membership to a professional body in good standing where applicable.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
