Position: Senior Researcher – Component: “Collection and Enhancement of Data on Jaguars, Their Habitat and Prey in the Guiana Shield”Reports to: Project Director, “Forests, Jaguars and the Peoples of the Guiana Shield”Panthera Division: Conservation ActionGeographic Scope: Guiana Shield (Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, French Guiana)Duty Station: This is a remote position that may be based in one of several countries where Panthera has a legal entity related or close to the project (Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, France, UK), with regular travel across the Guiana Shield region - The priority is to hire a national in any of these countries.Position Type: Full-TimeDuration: Minimum 4 years starting in May-June 2026Remuneration: Compensation will be determined based on duty station, experience, and qualifications, in accordance with Panthera’s compensation framework and local labor law. Job Purpose (Summary) The Senior Researcher will lead the first component of the project: "Collection and enhancement of data on Jaguars, their habitat and prey on the Guiana Shield", ensuring the consolidation, enhancement, and accessibility of jaguar-related data across the Guiana Shield. This role is central to overcoming current barriers posed by fragmented, incomplete, and inaccessible information. The Senior Researcher will coordinate multi-country efforts to harmonize databases, collect new complementary data, strengthen national capacity, and produce knowledge products that inform national and international biodiversity policies. Additional project details can be sent to applicants upon request. The successful candidate will be required to have, and maintain, legal work authorization to work in the country of employment. Key Responsibilities Data Consolidation &amp; Harmonization<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Lead the establishment of harmonized national and regional databases on jaguars, prey, habitat, and human–wildlife conflicts.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Organize a regional multi-stakeholder workshop within the first six months to define database structure, roadmap, and data-sharing agreements.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Coordinate with institutions such as Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (OTCA) and its Amazon Regional Observatory (ORA) to ensure sustainability and avoid duplication.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Oversee data integration, cleaning, quality control, and reporting to national focal points.</li></ul> Collection of New Complementary Data<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Design and harmonize field data collection protocols, including camera traps, DNA sampling, and socio-economic surveys.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Coordinate country-specific campaigns:</li><li style="font-size:11pt;list-style:none;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;"><ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Brazil (University of Pará, Imazon, Legacy Landscape Fund).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Suriname (eco-guards from Matawai, Alalapadu, Sipaliwini).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Guyana (Wapichan Wildlife Committees, Wai Wai community).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">French Guiana: coordination with OFB´s mission manager, INRAE and PAG on cross-border cooperation and scientific monitoring on DNA collection in French Guiana and coordination of DNA collection projects in the other countries of the Guiana Shield.</li></ul></li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Supervise integration of DNA and photographic data across countries, ensuring standardized protocols and collaboration with existing projects.</li></ul> Capacity Building<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Conduct national assessments of training needs in database management.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Organize one national workshop per country (minimum 30 participants each) combining theory and field exercises.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Train national institutions, community members, and students in database use and standardized monitoring methods.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Mentor four young researchers through advanced training and a structured program to build sustainable local expertise. </li></ul>Knowledge Production &amp; Policy Integration<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Coordinate the development of the Atlas of the Jaguar in the Guiana Shield 2025 and precise definition of connectivity corridors between protected areas.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Produce at least three peer-reviewed scientific publications on jaguar status, distribution, prey, and habitat.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Develop a user-friendly website hosted by national institutions to facilitate access to jaguar data.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Propose a roadmap for interoperability of national databases, enhancing regional visibility and informing international frameworks (CBD, CITES, CMS, Jaguar 2030 Roadmap).</li></ul> Required QualificationsEducation &amp; Professional Background<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or related fields.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Minimum 7–10 years of experience in ecological research, data management, and biodiversity monitoring.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Proven track record in leading and co-authoring scientific publications related to jaguar and prey species ecology, behavior, and conservation.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Proven track record in multi-country, multi-stakeholder conservation projects, ideally in Latin America or the Guiana Shield.</li></ul>Technical &amp; Managerial Skills<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Expertise in database design, management, and harmonization.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Experience with ecological monitoring protocols (camera traps, DNA, GIS, remote sensing).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Strong capacity for stakeholder engagement, including governments, NGOs, universities, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) for data collection, sharing and other objectives related to the position.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Familiarity with international biodiversity frameworks (CBD, CITES, CMS, Jaguar 2030 Roadmap, Nagoya Protocol).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Ability to produce scientific publications and knowledge products for policy influence. </li></ul>Leadership &amp; Personal Competencies<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across countries.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with fluency in English and working proficiency in Portuguese, French, or Dutch considered a strong asset.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Commitment to equity, inclusion, and participatory approaches in conservation.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">High integrity, accountability, and alignment with Panthera’s mission. </li></ul>Work Conditions / Physical DemandsWork Environment<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">This is a remote position that may be based in one of several countries where Panthera has a legal entity related or close to the project (Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, France, UK), with regular travel across the Guiana Shield region and physical office in Suriname. Candidate must have work authorization to work in the duty station country.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Mix of office-based tasks (database management, reporting, coordination) and field-based activities (data collection, training, workshops).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Frequent interaction with government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and international partners.</li></ul> Travel Requirements<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Extensive travel within remote forested areas, including multi-day missions to rural and Indigenous territories.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Use of boats, off-road vehicles, and small aircraft to reach project sites.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Willingness to work in challenging environments with limited infrastructure.</li></ul> Physical Demands<ul style=""><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Ability to undertake moderate physical activity during field visits (walking long distances, climbing, carrying equipment).</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Adaptability to extended periods in remote areas with limited communications or medical facilities.</li><li style="font-size:11pt;margin:3px 0px;letter-spacing:0.25px;line-height:1.6;">Flexibility to work irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community meetings or urgent conservation needs.</li></ul>  How To Apply Interested applicants should submit their most recent CV including two professional referees and their contact details, and a cover letter to the Panthera Careers Page. The application deadline is April 9, 2026.

Founded in 2006, Panthera is devoted to the conservation of the world&rsquo;s 40 species of wild cats and the vast ecosystems they inhabit. Our team of biologists, data scientists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates studies and protects the seven species of big cats: cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers. Panthera also creates targeted conservation strategies for the world&rsquo;s most threatened and overlooked small cats. With our supporters around the world, we inform the public about the plight of wild cats, work closely with communities living alongside these iconic species, protect wild cats and their prey from poaching, fight the illegal wildlife trade and safeguard the precious landscapes wild cats need to survive. If you love wild cats, then you&rsquo;re in our pride. Welcome to the movement to protect these captivating creatures and secure them for future generations. Visit panthera.org. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @pantheracats

Senior Researcher

Position: Senior Researcher – Component: “Collection and Enhancement of Data on Jaguars, Their Habitat and Prey in the Guiana Shield”Reports to: Project Director, “Forests, Jaguars and the Peoples of the Guiana Shield”Panthera Division: Conservation ActionGeographic Scope: Guiana Shield (Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, French Guiana)Duty Station: This is a remote position that may be based in one of several countries where Panthera has a legal entity related or close to the project (Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, France, UK), with regular travel across the Guiana Shield region - The priority is to hire a national in any of these countries.Position Type: Full-TimeDuration: Minimum 4 years starting in May-June 2026Remuneration: Compensation will be determined based on duty station, experience, and qualifications, in accordance with Panthera’s compensation framework and local labor law. Job Purpose (Summary) The Senior Researcher will lead the first component of the project: "Collection and enhancement of data on Jaguars, their habitat and prey on the Guiana Shield", ensuring the consolidation, enhancement, and accessibility of jaguar-related data across the Guiana Shield. This role is central to overcoming current barriers posed by fragmented, incomplete, and inaccessible information. The Senior Researcher will coordinate multi-country efforts to harmonize databases, collect new complementary data, strengthen national capacity, and produce knowledge products that inform national and international biodiversity policies. Additional project details can be sent to applicants upon request. The successful candidate will be required to have, and maintain, legal work authorization to work in the country of employment. Key Responsibilities Data Consolidation &amp; Harmonization<ul><li>Lead the establishment of harmonized national and regional databases on jaguars, prey, habitat, and human–wildlife conflicts.</li><li>Organize a regional multi-stakeholder workshop within the first six months to define database structure, roadmap, and data-sharing agreements.</li><li>Coordinate with institutions such as Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (OTCA) and its Amazon Regional Observatory (ORA) to ensure sustainability and avoid duplication.</li><li>Oversee data integration, cleaning, quality control, and reporting to national focal points.</li></ul> Collection of New Complementary Data<ul><li>Design and harmonize field data collection protocols, including camera traps, DNA sampling, and socio-economic surveys.</li><li>Coordinate country-specific campaigns:</li><li><ul><li>Brazil (University of Pará, Imazon, Legacy Landscape Fund).</li><li>Suriname (eco-guards from Matawai, Alalapadu, Sipaliwini).</li><li>Guyana (Wapichan Wildlife Committees, Wai Wai community).</li><li>French Guiana: coordination with OFB´s mission manager, INRAE and PAG on cross-border cooperation and scientific monitoring on DNA collection in French Guiana and coordination of DNA collection projects in the other countries of the Guiana Shield.</li></ul></li><li>Supervise integration of DNA and photographic data across countries, ensuring standardized protocols and collaboration with existing projects.</li></ul> Capacity Building<ul><li>Conduct national assessments of training needs in database management.</li><li>Organize one national workshop per country (minimum 30 participants each) combining theory and field exercises.</li><li>Train national institutions, community members, and students in database use and standardized monitoring methods.</li><li>Mentor four young researchers through advanced training and a structured program to build sustainable local expertise. </li></ul>Knowledge Production &amp; Policy Integration<ul><li>Coordinate the development of the Atlas of the Jaguar in the Guiana Shield 2025 and precise definition of connectivity corridors between protected areas.</li><li>Produce at least three peer-reviewed scientific publications on jaguar status, distribution, prey, and habitat.</li><li>Develop a user-friendly website hosted by national institutions to facilitate access to jaguar data.</li><li>Propose a roadmap for interoperability of national databases, enhancing regional visibility and informing international frameworks (CBD, CITES, CMS, Jaguar 2030 Roadmap).</li></ul> Required QualificationsEducation &amp; Professional Background<ul><li>Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or related fields.</li><li>Minimum 7–10 years of experience in ecological research, data management, and biodiversity monitoring.</li><li>Proven track record in leading and co-authoring scientific publications related to jaguar and prey species ecology, behavior, and conservation.</li><li>Proven track record in multi-country, multi-stakeholder conservation projects, ideally in Latin America or the Guiana Shield.</li></ul>Technical &amp; Managerial Skills<ul><li>Expertise in database design, management, and harmonization.</li><li>Experience with ecological monitoring protocols (camera traps, DNA, GIS, remote sensing).</li><li>Strong capacity for stakeholder engagement, including governments, NGOs, universities, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) for data collection, sharing and other objectives related to the position.</li><li>Familiarity with international biodiversity frameworks (CBD, CITES, CMS, Jaguar 2030 Roadmap, Nagoya Protocol).</li><li>Ability to produce scientific publications and knowledge products for policy influence. </li></ul>Leadership &amp; Personal Competencies<ul><li>Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.</li><li>Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across countries.</li><li>Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with fluency in English and working proficiency in Portuguese, French, or Dutch considered a strong asset.</li><li>Commitment to equity, inclusion, and participatory approaches in conservation.</li><li>High integrity, accountability, and alignment with Panthera’s mission. </li></ul>Work Conditions / Physical DemandsWork Environment<ul><li>This is a remote position that may be based in one of several countries where Panthera has a legal entity related or close to the project (Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, France, UK), with regular travel across the Guiana Shield region and physical office in Suriname. Candidate must have work authorization to work in the duty station country.</li><li>Mix of office-based tasks (database management, reporting, coordination) and field-based activities (data collection, training, workshops).</li><li>Frequent interaction with government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and international partners.</li></ul> Travel Requirements<ul><li>Extensive travel within remote forested areas, including multi-day missions to rural and Indigenous territories.</li><li>Use of boats, off-road vehicles, and small aircraft to reach project sites.</li><li>Willingness to work in challenging environments with limited infrastructure.</li></ul> Physical Demands<ul><li>Ability to undertake moderate physical activity during field visits (walking long distances, climbing, carrying equipment).</li><li>Adaptability to extended periods in remote areas with limited communications or medical facilities.</li><li>Flexibility to work irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community meetings or urgent conservation needs.</li></ul>  How To Apply Interested applicants should submit their most recent CV including two professional referees and their contact details, and a cover letter to the Panthera Careers Page. The application deadline is April 9, 2026.

Senior Researcher

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