Principal Research Officer (Rodent Ecology Section) - Contract

[What the role is]

Embark on an enriching career journey at the Environmental Health Institute (EHI) and drive innovative laboratory and field research to advance public health. You will lead and conduct research in (i) biosurveillance of urban small mammals (e.g., rats and mice), including their diversity, ecology, and associated pathogens, (ii) development of integrated management strategies, and (iii) scientific leadership of programmes that conceive, develop, and field-validate innovative, AI-enabled technologies for urban monitoring of small mammals.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to translate scientific findings into policy and operations and contribute to shaping national environmental public health policies. As part of the EHI team, you will have opportunities to grow not only as a scientist, but also in areas such as research leadership, project management, innovation and technology development, and scientific communication.

[What you will be working on]

• Design and lead research projects that improve understanding of urban small mammal populations, including their diversity, distribution, abundance, and ecology
• Apply findings towards proactive and integrated management strategies, including public health risk assessment, policy recommendations, and operational guidelines
• Provide scientific leadership in the development and field-validation of innovative technologies, working with industry partners to translate ecological insights into practical and field-ready solutions
• Collaborate with government agencies, healthcare institutions, academia, and international partners to advance research objectives and implement evidence-based solutions
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
• Supervise research staff and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams

[What we are looking for]

• Training or background in public health
• Experience in animal dissection and morpho-taxonomy
• Demonstrated experience in developing or deploying innovative technologies, engineering solutions, or AI-enabled tools applied to ecology, animal behaviour, or environmental monitoring
• Valid Class 3 driver's licence with willingness to travel to field sites preferred (vehicle provided if available)