Spatial Analyst (Remote - UK only)

We are seeking a consultant with expertise in spatial analysis and a background in biodiversity to join the Nature-based Insights research team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an ambitious mission to translate cutting-edge science into practice. We work with a range of clients on how to tackle the most critical issues of our time - climate change and biodiversity loss, whilst supporting economic recovery.

We are looking for a talented individual with skills in data analysis and spatial analysis to help us work with more clients across a broad range of supply chains and landscapes.

Who we are

Nature-based Insights is a Social Venture spin-out of the University of Oxford’s Nature-based Solutions Initiative. Our mission is to apply the very latest science to help businesses implement nature-based solutions with integrity. Drawing on the University’s world-leading expertise and network, we apply cutting-edge scientific research to help organisations set and implement robust evidence-based targets for mitigating and insetting impacts on climate, biodiversity, and society through nature-based solutions.

We are a passionate team of individuals spanning a broad range of research interests, experiences and backgrounds. Typically, we work with large corporates and financial institutions covering global supply chains and assets with large landscape-scale geographies. We are driven by impact, and work with organisations who are serious about ensuring their climate, biodiversity, social commitments and strategies are ambitious, credible, and net-zero aligned.

The role

At the heart of our work is our Nature Analytics framework, supported by a quantitative model. Our model allows us to baseline biodiversity impact across a given landscape within a supply chain, identify risks and dependencies, scenario model for specific interventions and provides for long term monitoring. With demand for our work increasing, we are looking to expand the quantitative skills within our team, so that we can apply our analysis to a broader set of landscapes across the world. This is an exciting role for someone with a background in quantitative ecology and biodiversity, helping develop the methodology of our model and apply it directly to businesses to effect real change.

You will be joining Nature-based Insights at a pivotal time in our development, with a real opportunity to have an impact on our direction and work - working alongside a passionate network of colleagues, partners, clients, who share your mission and values. You will be working with a range of local and global datasets for complex natural resource supply chains, to help inform biodiversity strategies - using the best science with some of the biggest global supply chain companies.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an independent researcher interested in building innovative solutions for our client services. The right candidate will be a natural problem solver, passionate about incorporating the latest technologies and methods into their work. The ability to translate scientific insights into decision ready information for our clients is also crucial.

We are proud to support our employees in their career aspirations - we’re always open to discussing how the role can be adapted or evolve to best suit both parties.

Responsibilities

• Write, develop and calibrate R scripts to analyse specific geographies and landscapes.
• Apply R to spatial mapping, and produce maps to help convey insights for clients.
• Create written outputs, translating scientific analysis from your work into valuable insights for our clients.
• Research and develop outputs from analysis compatible with emerging nature-reporting frameworks, e.g. TNFD, SBTN, CRSD.
• Critically appraise our existing model, identifying gaps and providing ideas and insights for future development.
• Work with the team to review and synthesise relevant literature to calibrate our model for specific contexts and scenarios.
• Support the production and maintenance of our scientific methodology documentation.
• Where appropriate, attend client meetings and presentations to provide scientific insight and advice.
• Keep up to date with the latest in biodiversity datasets and monitoring technologies.
• Depending on experience, contribute to monitoring and evaluation of NbS interventions in landscapes, including methodology design, implementation and analysis.

Skills, experience, qualifications

Essential:

• Strong spatial and data analysis skills in R, including terra, sf and data wrangling with tidyverse.
• Experience in developing methodologies and conducting statistical analysis within biodiversity-related projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written across a range of mediums, including reports, articles and presentations, ideally for both academic and business audiences.
• Experience of working within a team of researchers to project deadlines.
• PhD in environmental, ecological or similar discipline, or have equivalent experience.
• Willingness to travel internationally to supply chain landscapes.

Desirable:

• Experience in using Google Earth Engine.
• Experience with Shiny.
• Ability to apply machine learning to LULC analysis.
• Field ecology and monitoring experience.
• Understanding of global nature reporting frameworks such as TNFD and SBTN.
• Experience within consultancy, ideally with corporate or financial institution clients.

What we offer:

• Salary: £32,000
• Remote first (UK-based), with allowance for co-working or homeworking set up, including budget to be used for desk, chair or any ergonomic equipment.
• 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
• Pension with ethical portfolio and salary sacrifice option.
• All computer equipment, including laptop, screen and peripherals.
• Networking and collaboration opportunities at University of Oxford.

How to apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to info@naturebasedinsights.com. After shortlisting candidates, interviews will be conducted through a process of initial screening, formal interview, with potential for final subsequent interview, depending on the candidate pool. We aim to provide feedback for anyone invited to interview but unfortunately cannot extend this to non-shortlisted candidates. We are looking to fulfil this role ASAP and applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Nature-based Insights is committed to equality and value diversity. We particularly encourage application of women and those that come from minority backgrounds.