Senior Research Ecologist

We are seeking a skilled and motivated acoustic monitoring specialist to join our team, focusing on the collection and analysis of both new and existing datasets. While a significant emphasis will be on projects related to the Framing Futures Action Area, the role will also involve working with a wide range of datasets, including BTO’s own data as well as freely available resources covering habitat, vegetation, climate, protected areas, and bird and other species monitoring schemes from across the UK and Europe.

The postholder will be responsible for collecting and analysing new and existing acoustic datasets, particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to the Framing Futures Action Area. These datasets will include BTO’s own datasets, along with various freely available datasets on habitat, vegetation, climate and protected areas, monitoring scheme datasets focused on other species and bird monitoring scheme datasets from other European countries. The postholder will have specialist knowledge related to passive acoustic monitoring in the UK and Europe and is expected to develop their own portfolio of work, build contacts within this area, and work to secure funding to support that portfolio.

What You Will Deliver

• Leadership, or support for the development of proposals for other new research projects and surveys, especially within the field of the Dispersed Threats team, but also some across teams, both through the proactive writing of concept notes and the responsive development of tenders, in-line with the BTO’s Strategy.
• To use considerable personal initiative in undertaking scientific research projects following a program of work agreed with project managers (both within the Dispersed Threats team and also across the BTO).
• Projects are likely to include collecting acoustic monitoring data, statistical-based research and literature reviews, and ultimately to produce reports, scientific papers and articles on such work. This will require databases to be developed and maintained and appropriate statistical analyses for these projects to be undertaken, ensuring that high scientific standards are maintained following BTO’s Code of Good Scientific Practice.
• To collaborate with members of other teams within the BTO and outside organisations, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to develop new projects, write proposals and seek funding.
• To work to tight deadlines, producing well written technical reports for funders on the work undertaken, and to maintain a scientific publication record in refereed scientific journals. The aim is to author one or more papers annually, project type permitting.
• To keep updated with the scientific literature and statistical methods relevant to the postholder’s main research areas (Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Restoration Ecology, Population Ecology), and to conduct literature reviews and other non-analytical projects as required.
• To give oral and poster presentations of work at scientific conferences and seminars, and internally to BTO colleagues.
• To present and discuss BTO work to policy audiences and other relevant professionals to maximise the impact of BTO science.
• To communicate the results of projects through a range of media supported by our communications department, including to members, volunteers and other non-professional audiences through semi-popular articles and occasional talks.
• To answer external queries including those from the media as appropriate.
• To contribute to the wider scientific community through activities such as refereeing papers, sitting on external committees, etc.
• To contribute to the enhancement of the BTO’s profile in line with its strategic vision of a world “Informed by Science, Inspired by Birds”, for example by representing the BTO externally to a wide-range of audiences.
• To undertake fieldwork on specific projects if required.
• This is not an exhaustive list; the successful applicant will agree objectives with the line manager.

What You Will Bring to the Post

• A PhD in ecology, or a related area, or equivalent experience.
• Good knowledge of passive acoustic monitoring and experience in delivering passive acoustic monitoring projects.
• The ability to learn and implement new methods of statistical analysis and modelling as necessary, to analyse such datasets.
• Familiarity with the principles of survey design and experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be a significant advantage.
• Expertise in computer programs for the manipulation and analysis of ecological data, including recognition of structured and well documented workflows to facilitate quality control, reproducibility and archiving.
• Experience of using Python and / or R is required. The ability to learn the use of new programming languages and computer packages as required.
• The ability to conceive, plan, to design and to execute fieldwork and analytical research projects and to see them through to the completion of reports and refereed publications is desirable.
• A good understanding of the principles of population processes, particularly of birds or bats, and their application to conservation science.
• Good knowledge of avian and/or chiropteran ecology and of British birds and/or bats.
• Ability to assimilate relevant information from the scientific literature.
• Proven ability to publish in refereed scientific journals and to write scientific reports.
• Ability to speak effectively to a wide range of audience types, including research presentations at scientific conferences and meetings and talks to the general public.
• Ability to write clearly for a range of popular and semi-popular publications.
• Good personal organisation and time management skills.
• Appropriate fieldwork experience and knowledge for the role, for example in surveying and identifying British birds in the field by sight and sound or undertaking BTO surveys advantageous.
• Ability to write and apply for grant funding and track record for securing funding is desirable.
• Proven ability to write successful funding proposals is desirable.

Salary and Benefits

• £34,980 – £36,045per annum
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Retail discounts
• Cycling Friendly Employer- Gold accredited
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on BTO books
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, and our staff group, creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications isSunday, 10th Augustand Interviews will be held remotely or at Thetford on Thursday 4th September and Friday 5th September.

If you have any questions, please contactrecruitment@bto.org

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essentialcriteria for the vacancy.

Supporting Documents

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• Senior Research Ecologist Role Description.pdf

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