At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead salmon conservation science and influence strategic research priorities for wild salmon recovery.
- Company: Join the Atlantic Salmon Trust, the UK's leading charity for wild salmon conservation.
- Benefits: Make a real impact on ecosystems while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and collaboration with diverse partners in conservation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of restoring endangered salmon populations and their habitats.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in relevant field and 7+ years of experience in conservation science.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Wild Atlantic salmon are in crisis.
Populations in Great Britain have fallen by around 70% in the last 25 years and the species is now listed as endangered in Great Britain.
The Atlantic Salmon Trust is the UK’s leading evidence-led wild salmon conservation charity, driven by a mission to restore wild salmon and the environments they depend on across the UK and Ireland.
We combine science, practical conservation and advocacy to tackle the challenges facing wild salmon across rivers, coasts and the open ocean.
As an organisation we are determined to act on what is known about salmon and sea trout, to provide them with the best opportunity to thrive.
We also work to obtain a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions they require and how to prevent harm to their populations.
Overview of the role
The successful candidate will lead the Trust’s salmonid conservation science work, which sits at the heart of our mission to restore salmonid populations and the ecosystems in which they live in the UK and Ireland.
You will play a key role in influencing the Trust’s strategic research priorities, directing effort at the evidence gaps that genuinely limit recovery, and supporting the restoration team to translate what we already know into large scale restoration action on the ground.
You will provide scientific leadership for all our programmes, ensuring that an evidence-based approach to salmon conservation and recovery sits at the centre of the Trust’s restoration, policy and advocacy work.
You will represent the Trust as a leading scientific authority with partners, funders and policymakers including academia, catchment managers, public sector bodies and government, Missing Salmon Alliance members, and international organisations working on salmon conservation and recovery.
You will also have the opportunity to develop new targeted science projects to fill identified knowledge gaps and build partnerships to deliver those.
You will work closely with the Trust’s Principal Data Analyst with the two of you together leading the delivery of science and evidence across Trust projects.
This post is fast-paced, recognising the urgency of delivering large scale action for wild salmon in the face of uncertainty, whilst also providing the opportunity to identify and fill knowledge gaps.
You will be comfortable exercising judgement under uncertainty, and motivated to ensure evidence is used to direct action.
Person specification
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e. g. aquatic ecology, environmental science) or equivalent professional experience.
- Authoritative, current expertise in Atlantic salmon and sea trout ecology and their conservation, and the pressures driving population decline, with the credibility to apply it directly to restoration decision-making.
- Minimum of seven years’ relevant experience, ideally combining research and applied delivery.
- Ability to translate scientific evidence into restoration priorities and action, policy and advocacy, exercising sound judgement under uncertainty.
- Strategic research design and prioritisation — the judgement to identify which evidence gaps genuinely matter to salmon recovery.
- Experience and/or training towards a Home Office personal licence (holding a licence is desirable, not essential).
- A track record ideally spanning both research and applied delivery (e. g. consultancy, a rivers trust or fisheries board, environment/conservation agency or government), demonstrating the ability to move from evidence to implementation.
- Experience providing scientific leadership and quality assurance across a range of projects, partners or funders.
- A good understanding of statistical methods, with experience of GIS tools desirable.
- Experience of writing grant applications.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK, as well as occasional international travel.
- Line management and development of staff and experience supervising postgrad students would be desirable.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Salmon Conservation Scientist in Perth employer: El Bichólogo
Joining the Newt Conservation Partnership as a Project Assistant offers a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in practical nature conservation within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a focus on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive training and mentoring from experienced professionals, allowing you to develop essential skills in habitat creation and monitoring while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts in Milton Keynes/Bedfordshire. The flexible working arrangements and commitment to community benefit make this role not only rewarding but also an excellent fit for those passionate about making a positive impact on freshwater wildlife.
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We think this is how you could land Principal Salmon Conservation Scientist in Perth
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at El Bichólogo, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Salmon Conservation Scientist in Perth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at El Bichólogo. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at El Bichólogo. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at El Bichólogo
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at El Bichólogo. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at El Bichólogo to drive research projects forward.
