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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.
Lead restoration scientist in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Rainforest Builder
Contact Detail:
Rainforest Builder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in challenging environments. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've driven results in past roles.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in forest restoration and research management, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've held. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Restoration Scientist role.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter: This is your chance to shine! 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 specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
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 Rainforest Builder.
Apply Through Our Website: We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website as applications via LinkedIn won’t be reviewed. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it 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 of your past research and how it relates to their work will show that you're genuinely interested.
✨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 and projects in the past. Highlight any mentoring or training experiences you've had, as this role involves supporting the growth of others in the team.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in challenging 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.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries about their current projects, future goals, and the team culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.