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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 combat climate change.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid/remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
- Why this job: Shape the future of forest restoration and support rural communities in West Africa.
- Qualifications: PhD and 5+ years in research management, with a passion for tropical ecology.
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.
Lead restoration scientist in Milton Keynes employer: Rainforest Builder
Contact Detail:
Rainforest Builder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the forestry and restoration sectors, especially those connected to Rainforest Builder. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and show your passion for forest restoration.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Rainforest Builder's projects. Understand their mission and recent achievements, so you can discuss how your skills align with their goals. Show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Rainforest Builder and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Lead Restoration Scientist role. Make sure to showcase your research management experience and any specific projects you've worked on in tropical forests.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about forest restoration and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves team building and leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and guide others in challenging environments.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to send your application directly through our website as applications via LinkedIn won’t be reviewed. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
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 from your past research will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their mission.
✨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 or projects in challenging environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring others and fostering a productive team culture, as this will resonate well with their focus on team building.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your research management experience. Be ready to discuss your approach to designing and analysing field trials, as well as how you've tackled issues like species matching and seed viability. Practising answers to potential technical questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Rainforest Builder's current projects, future goals, and their approach to innovation in forest restoration. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.