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- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research to restore tropical forests and improve biodiversity.
- Company: Join Africa’s leading forest restoration company on a mission to revive ecosystems.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid/remote work, competitive salary, and impactful career opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in West African forestry.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in restoring degraded land and combating climate change.
- Qualifications: PhD and 5+ years in forest restoration research with proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Full-time (hybrid/remote) 6 months/year at projects in West Africa.
About Rainforest Builder
Rainforest Builder is Africa’s leading forest restoration company, on a mission to restore one million hectares of degraded land to tropical forest. We bring together world-leading science, forestry, and tech, to deliver high-quality forest restoration at unprecedented scale. Backed by some of the largest companies and investors in the world, we remove millions of tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, restore globally threatened biodiversity, and deliver equitable economic growth to rural communities. We currently operate four projects across three countries in West Africa and are continuing to expand to new areas within the region.
Role overview
As Rainforest Builder’s Lead Restoration Scientist, you will be the driving force behind our ambitious experimental research program. You will design, implement and analyze field trials that underpin continual improvements to our operational practices. You will oversee cutting-edge nursery research to advance our understanding of native rainforest tree seedlings and unlock the production of highly diverse species mixes at scale. You will lead on our programme of seed collection and storage, applying what we learn in our trials to ensure that each project is provisioned with a high-quality seed stock for highly diversified native tree planting at scale. This is a career-defining role with responsibility for generating insights that will shape the outcomes of land restoration across thousands of hectares throughout tropical West Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Field Silvicultural trials: You will design and manage the running of field trial programs across all Rainforest Builder’s active projects, answering key questions concerning how to cost-effectively re-establish native forests. You will provide regular reporting of trial-based insights, and deliver evidence-based recommendations to improve operations across our project areas.
- Tree Improvement & Site-Species Matching: You will oversee a variety of research streams to help understand the drivers of mortality and growth in different species, unravelling the effects of climate, soils, pests and pathogens to understand how to optimally match different species to different environments. You will develop a long-term program of tree quality research to identify high-performing species and individuals, with the potential to include genomic screening and multi-trait selection. You will generate actionable recommendations on seed and seedling sources that will improve the growth and long-term resilience of our restored forests.
- Seed collection and storage: You will oversee our seed collection programme, ensuring that we collect the seed that fuels our operations. This requires collecting high-quality seed in the right quantity, and from the right species, and ensure that we achieve multi-year viability in storage.
- Team Building and Leadership: You will support the growth and development of Rainforest Builder’s Research & Development teams across all projects. This will include finding and recruiting talented researchers, as well as providing training and mentorship to our existing teams. You will promote and instil a working culture of the highest standards of productivity, integrity and curiosity, supporting the growth of the next generation of leaders in West African forestry.
Candidate requirements
- PhD in a relevant field
- Minimum of 5 years of research management experience in one of the following areas: research and development in forest restoration; forestry operations; restoration R&D and tree breeding
- Experience working in tropical forests, with a strong grounding in tropical forest ecology
- Proven leadership skills, with effective team management and operational organization, including leading large teams to a tight delivery schedule in challenging field settings
- Strong experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experimental research, and interpreting research data
- Highly self-motivated, and excited by the challenge of maintaining scientific rigor across a large field operation.
- Excellent problem solver- able to identify problems and challenges as they emerge and resolve appropriately
To apply
Please email with a CV and covering letter, including the job title in the subject line. Applications via LinkedIn will not be reviewed.
Locations
Lead restoration scientist in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Rainforest Builder
Contact Detail:
Rainforest Builder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to forest restoration. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience in research management and how it aligns with Rainforest Builder's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Rainforest Builder team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for forest restoration and how your experience aligns with our mission at Rainforest Builder. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Restoration Scientist role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in research management and tropical forest ecology. Highlight specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Lead Restoration Scientist, leadership is key. Use your application to illustrate your experience in team management and operational organisation. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in challenging environments, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we want to see your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications. So, make sure you follow the instructions and submit your CV and cover letter via email, including the job title in the subject line.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainforest Builder
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of tropical forest ecology and restoration practices. Familiarise yourself with Rainforest Builder's projects and their impact in West Africa. Being able to discuss specific examples of your past research and how it relates to their work will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Restoration Scientist, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in challenging environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent, as this is crucial for fostering a productive team culture at Rainforest Builder.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in field settings. Think of specific challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them. This will help illustrate your ability to maintain scientific rigor while adapting to real-world conditions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Rainforest Builder's future projects and their approach to forest restoration. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.