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- Tasks: Join a team to model marine management interventions for biodiversity and human needs.
- Company: The RSPB is a leading conservation charity focused on protecting nature in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine conservation while collaborating with experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD required; experience with large datasets and marine ecology preferred.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months, with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The RSPB is seeking a highly motivated Conservation Scientist to join a multi-disciplinary team to explore scenario models of different combinations of management interventions and regimes across the UK’s marine environment landscape affect biodiversity restoration, GHG emissions, and provision for a range of human needs.
You will join a collaborative team consisting of Drs Richard Bradbury, Rob Field, and Joshua Copping, and will work closely with members of RSPB’s policy and advocacy team. This work will build on previous RSPB projects of a similar nature that were carried out in the terrestrial realm, but now with a focus on the marine environment and exploring the trades-offs and co-benefits of habitat restoration and marine protected area creation in the UK’s waters.
This research will follow the same framework used in RSPB’s previous studies. You will draw on existing data to produce opportunity maps for habitat restoration and model the impacts of habitat restoration on a range of outcomes, such as biodiversity, GHG flux, food provision, amongst potential others, across a range of exploratory scenarios. The modelling framework and process will follow the same methods as those employed in previous RSPB research but adapted to suit the marine environment. You will work closely with the members of the RSPB’s policy team to provide them with the evidence they need for their advocacy work.
Essential qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience:
- PhD in a relevant subject
- Experience/skills in handling, manipulating, and analysing large datasets, including spatial data, preferably using R
- Demonstrable skills and experience in conservation/marine ecology and at least one of the following areas:
- Climate change mitigation
- Renewable energy
- Spatial scenario modelling
Additional information:
- This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week, for 18 months.
- The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
- Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th June 2025. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 30th June 2025.
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
For further information please contact joshua.copping@rspb.org.uk. No agencies please.
Contact Detail:
New Scientist Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Scientist - SeaChange Project
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPB's previous marine projects and their methodologies. Understanding their past work will not only help you align your skills with their needs but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation and marine ecology fields. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet current RSPB staff or others in similar roles, as personal connections can often lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly in R, as this is a key requirement for the role. Consider taking an online course or working on personal projects that involve large datasets to showcase your proficiency and readiness for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific challenges of marine conservation. Think about examples from your past work that highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Scientist - SeaChange Project
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Conservation Scientist position. Make sure you understand the focus on marine environments and the specific skills needed, such as experience with R and large datasets.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in conservation and marine ecology. Emphasise your PhD and any specific projects or research that align with the SeaChange Project's goals, particularly in climate change mitigation and spatial scenario modelling.
Craft a Strong Application Form: When completing the application form, provide clear examples of how you meet the essential qualifications and skills listed. Use specific instances from your past work to demonstrate your ability to handle large datasets and collaborate effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, include examples of your written and verbal communication skills. Mention any publications in scientific journals or experiences where you've communicated complex data to diverse audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Scientist
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the RSPB's previous projects and the specific methodologies they used. Understanding the framework of their past studies will help you demonstrate your knowledge and how you can contribute to the SeaChange Project.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with handling large datasets, especially in R. Highlight any relevant projects where you've manipulated or analysed spatial data, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You may need to communicate findings to various audiences, so showcasing your ability to convey information clearly will be beneficial.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with policy teams and external organisations, be ready to share examples of successful collaborations from your past experiences. This will show your ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
