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Who We Are

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Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) is an organisation working to improve the welfare of farmed fishes globally. We believe that fish welfare is a critical yet often overlooked intersection of animal well-being, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Through science-driven collaborations with farmers, researchers, and policymakers, we strive to advance aquaculture practices that are both humane and sustainable.

We currently partner with 160+ fish farms through our Alliance for Responsible Aquaculture and are building tools, like satellite analytics, to enhance welfare and sustainability outcomes in India. Internationally, we partner with local experts to develop and support regionally relevant fish welfare research and pilot programmes. 

 

You can view this job description in Chinese here.

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The Role

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FWI seeks a consultant with academic expertise in aquaculture science and deep familiarity with China’s research landscape to advance fish‐welfare science, practice, and institutional support nationwide. This consultant will strengthen our research strategy by identifying priority gaps, engaging academic partners, evaluating proposals, and designing and implementing pilot and field-building programs that enhance fish welfare in Chinese aquaculture systems while addressing broader social and environmental impacts.

Key Responsibilities

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• Academic Research Mapping and Strategic Scoping

  • Identify promising and under-researched topics in fish welfare with relevance to Chinese aquaculture species and systems.

  • Map key institutions and stakeholders in Chinese aquaculture science and veterinarian fields.

  • Analyse research trends and gaps,  especially where animal welfare intersects with environmental sustainability and farmer practices.

•  Research Proposal Support and Evaluation

  • Review and provide feedback on research proposals to ensure scientific rigor, feasibility, and relevance to fish welfare impact.

  • Support the implementation and monitoring of selected academic research projects.

  • Assist in interpreting and disseminating research results to both academic and practitioner audiences.

• Direct-impact Pilot Project Guidance

  • Provide scientific and academic input into the design and evaluation of FWI’s pilot programs (e.g., improved slaughter methods or husbandry practices).

  • Recommend monitoring indicators and evaluation methods rooted in the best available science.

  • Support the development of frameworks for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of pilot projects.

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Qualifications

Required Criteria
 

You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for this position:

• Advanced academic degree (PhD) in a relevant field like Aquaculture Science, Fisheries Science, Fish Physiology, or a closely related discipline. 

• Demonstrated research experience in fish health, aquaculture systems, or fish welfare with at least 3 research papers published or contributed to in these topics. 

• Native-level fluency in Chinese (spoken and written).

• Based in China. 

• Strong research methodology and analytical skills.

• At least 3 years of academic or applied research experience focused on Chinese aquaculture species (e.g., grass carp, tilapia, large yellow croaker).

Ideal Criteria

We will favor candidates who meet some or more of the following criteria, although these are not required:

• Established professional network within Chinese academic institutions and/or the aquaculture industry.

• Specialized research expertise in high-priority fish welfare topics (e.g., humane slaughter methods, optimal stocking density, stress physiology, or welfare assessment methods).

• At least 5 years of academic or applied research roles in Aquaculture.

• Previous experience in reviewing academic proposals or participating in research evaluation panels.

• Strong science communication skills for diverse audiences.

• Based at a leading Chinese university or research institute.

• In-depth understanding of China’s aquaculture sector, policy, and regulatory trends. 

• Professional fluency in English (spoken and written).

We also strongly encourage highly qualified candidates with slightly less experience but exceptional expertise or achievements to apply.
 

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The Fine Print
 

Location: Remote (apart from occasional in-person meetings or/and field visits).
Position Status: Full-time.

Time Commitment: On average, you would be expected to work around 10 hours per week. 
Pay:  100-200 RMB/hour, negotiable based on qualifications.
Start Date: Immediate start preferred.

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​How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates can submit their application by email to aijun@fwi.fish no later than July 22th, 2025. Your email must include: 

Your email should include the following:

• CV 

• Cover Letter

  • A concise cover letter addressing the following questions explicitly: 

    • Why are you interested in working with FWI?

    • How does your academic expertise and research experience directly align with the key responsibilities of this role, particularly within the context of Chinese aquaculture?

    • What you perceive to be a key research gap or opportunity for improving fish welfare in China.

• Answers to the Following Questions in the Body of the Email:​

  • Proficiency in English: Indicate your proficiency level - Native, Fluent, Intermediate, or Basic.

  • Rough salary expectations: Indicate your salary expectations.

  • Availability to start: Provide the earliest date you can begin.

  • Source of information: Specify how you heard about this job opening.

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Please ensure your email uses the subject line: Application: Fish Welfare Consultant - [Your Name]. 

 

Applications that do not follow the above instructions, including the specified subject line, may not be considered. 

All candidates who have applied by July 22nd will hear back from us within two weeks of the deadline.