VACANCY: Research Director, African Elephant Research Unit

The EmployerKnysna Elephant Park (KEP) is seeking to recruit a Research Director for the on-site African Elephant Research Unit (AERU). He or shewillbecome part of themanagement teamof KEP, whichhas provideda home for orphaned and unwanted elephantssince 1994.KEPaims for constant improvement towards the best possible quality of lifefor the elephants, including in tourist interactions, andestablished AERUin 2009to help achieve this; originallyjustaninternal research department, AERU has since become a non-profit trust collaborating with researchers across the globe. AERU’s primary mission is to improve the welfare of captive African elephants by conducting non-invasive, primarily behaviouralresearch (at KEP and beyond) and publishing the findings in peer-reviewed journals.The RoleThe Research Director has overall responsibility for AERU’s activities, including:Directing and co-ordinating research projectsAnalysing data,writing up and publishing resultsManaging a small team of staffOverseeing awell-established volunteer programand ensuring volunteer satisfactionSupervisingundergraduate and postgraduateresearch studentsReportingresearch findingsand welfare insightsto the rest of the KEP managementteamPromoting and representing AERU, building relationships withotherorganisationsThis vacancy represents a rare opportunity to directresearch onhabituated elephantsin a naturalisticenvironment where 24/7 observation is possible. Youwill directlyinfluence the care of KEP’s elephants, helpingKEP to inspire and educatevisitors while developingAERU into a globally respected voice for captive elephant welfare.RequirementsEssential:PhD in animal behaviour, zoology, conservation biology or a closely related scienceStrong scientific background, demonstrated by published research in peer-reviewed journalsManagementand leadershipexperience;able to inspire and motivate othersIn-depth knowledgeof the study of animal behaviour, behavioural methods,ethograms etcUnderstandingof and respect forelephants; background knowledgeofcaptive elephant managementExperiencewith statistical analysis; competence withSPSS,Ror similarCompetence with Windows computersand programs, particularly MS ExcelAbility to handle multiple projects under pressure, while recognising areas of need for new researchAnopen-mindedattitude tocaptivity, witha strong commitment to the welfareof captive wild animalsA collaborative and flexible approach, but able to work fully independently on own initiativeDedication, integrity, reliability, and willingness to go ‘above and beyond’Fluent written and spoken EnglishDesirable:Experience of leading research projects from concept to publicationas first authorExperience of managing a whole organisationor departmentField experiencewithlarge mammals, especially elephantsExperience of living in Africa, particularly South AfricaKnowledge ofhormones and hormone sampling Experience with animal-relatedvolunteerprojects catering to international volunteersThis is a full-time permanent position, to start as soon as possible. On-site accommodation will be provided.Please send a CV and cover letter to hr@knysnaelephantpark.co.za