At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research to restore tropical forests and improve biodiversity in West Africa.
- Company: Join Africa’s leading forest restoration company making a global impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid/remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to shape environmental change.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor future leaders in forestry and drive impactful research.
- Why this job: Be a key player in restoring ecosystems and supporting rural communities.
- Qualifications: PhD and 5+ years in forest restoration or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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 Portsmouth employer: Rainforest Builder
Rainforest Builder is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a significant impact on forest restoration in West Africa. With a strong commitment to professional development, team members benefit from mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead groundbreaking research initiatives that contribute to global biodiversity and climate goals. Working in a hybrid/remote capacity allows for flexibility while being part of a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, curiosity, and the growth of future leaders in forestry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Portsmouth
✨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
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for forest restoration and the impact it has. Let them see how much you care about the mission of Rainforest Builder.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in West Africa and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨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 team at Rainforest Builder and ready to dive into the exciting work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Restoration Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in forest restoration and research management, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about forest restoration and how your background aligns with our mission at Rainforest Builder. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves designing and analysing field trials, make sure to highlight your research skills. Include examples of past projects where you’ve successfully conducted experimental research and how those experiences can benefit our operations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to restore tropical forests!
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. 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
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing research projects. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully guided a team through challenges or implemented innovative solutions. This is key, as they’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop others in a demanding field environment.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in challenging field settings. Prepare examples of how you've tackled unexpected issues in your previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills and how you apply scientific rigor to overcome obstacles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about their ongoing projects or future plans. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your curiosity and commitment to the role.
