At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research to restore tropical forests and improve biodiversity.
- Company: Join Africa's top 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 innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in restoring vital ecosystems and supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: PhD and 5+ years in forest restoration research with strong 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.
Lead restoration scientist in Oxford employer: Rainforest Builder
At Rainforest Builder, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer in the field of forest restoration, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on biodiversity and climate change. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while working on groundbreaking projects in West Africa, fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth. With a commitment to employee development and a mission-driven approach, we empower our team to lead transformative research initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant 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 your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Lead Restoration Scientist. Highlight your research management skills and any relevant fieldwork you've done in tropical forests.
✨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 Rainforest Builder and contributing to their mission of restoring degraded land.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Oxford
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 Covering Letter:Use your covering 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 leadership experiences and your approach to problem-solving in challenging environments.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves designing and analysing field trials, make sure to detail your experience in experimental research. Highlight any specific methodologies you've used and the outcomes of your research that have contributed to forest restoration efforts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is reviewed promptly and gives you the best chance to stand out. Don’t forget to include the job title in your email 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 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 ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed research teams or projects in the past, focusing on how you fostered collaboration and maintained high standards. Highlight any mentorship experiences you've had, as this will resonate well with their team-building focus.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your research management experience and technical skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to designing and analysing field trials, as well as your strategies for seed collection and storage. Practising answers to potential technical questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Align with Their Values
Rainforest Builder is all about restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities. Think about how your personal values align with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals of biodiversity and sustainable forestry, and share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these principles.
