Scientific and Policy Officer - General

A bit about us

We're looking to recruit a Scientific Officer committed to animal welfare to join the RSPCA Companion Animal Department. Your role will focus on issues relating to the welfare of animals kept as pets, used in sport and for working purposes. The aim of the Companion Animal team is to promote the highest standards of companion animal welfare.

As a Scientific Officer you will collate, critically evaluate, manage and present scientific and technical information regarding the health and welfare of companion animals to ensure that wherever possible and relevant the RSPCA's projects, policies, communications and information resources are underpinned by up-to-date and authoritative science. You'll assist the development of RSPCA policy and strategy for companion animals and advise on this throughout the RSPCA, and contribute to the promotion and implementation of policy externally.

You'll be working on a number of ongoing projects including the development of digital resources on companion animal welfare, standards and guidance for animals in RSPCA care and the delivery of training to RSPCA colleagues.

We're looking for a Scientific Officer with a proven commitment to animal welfare, who is an analytical thinker with the ability to work independently.

• Contract: Permanent
• Working hours: 35 hours per week - Monday - Friday.
• Hybrid role: You will work from home and from either our London hub (Blackfriars), or our Horsham Hub (West Sussex). The expectation for this role will be to work in either London or Horsham once a month. You will be required to travel to other locations, as necessary, although this will be infrequent.

What a day might look like for you

• Developing operational guidance and standards for companion animals in RSPCA centres and branches and supporting centres in meeting these standards
• Developing and delivering training resources regarding the understanding and meeting of welfare needs for the Inspectorate, employees and volunteers
• Acting as a point of contact within the RSPCA in providing technical advice and any resources as required
• Working closely with colleagues in income generating departments (i.e. Enterprises and Fundraising), providing specialised expertise with respect to companion animals, to ensure that information is scientifically accurate and in line with current RSPCA policy
• Working with the Campaigns department to plan, implement and deliver factually correct campaigns with the aim of prompting political and behavioural change in order to prevent animal cruelty and improving animal welfare
• Working with the Press department and representing the RSPCA on views on companion animal welfare
• Providing engaging, accurate and relevant content in conjunction with the Digital Media team for the website, newsletters and social media channels
• Representing RSPCA at external events and promote companion animal welfare by participating in working groups, meetings, consultations and conferences
• Proving accurate, evidence based scientific and technical advice to Head of Companion Animals Department, RSPCA Trustees, Directors, colleagues across all departments, members and supporters as required
• Administration duties in relation to the department.

What you'll bring:

• A Masters degree in a relevant scientific subject (animal/welfare science) or a bachelor's degree plus relevant equivalent experience
• Practical experience of companion animal husbandry and behaviour
• Knowledge of physical and mental needs of companion animals ideally small mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information to a broad range of audiences
• Experience in completing critical reviews of scientific literature and presenting findings
• Excellent attention to detail.

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

Final note from us & good luck with your application!

Interviews will be held on th e 7th and 8th of October 2025.

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 [email protected] / 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