Ecosystem Ecologist in Bangor

We’re offering a rare and exciting opportunity to join UKCEH as an Ecosystem Ecologist / Principal Environmental Scientist (equivalent to Professor level) within our Land, Soil and Coast Group. This is a senior leadership role for an individual who brings scientific expertise across multiple disciplines and scales alongside the ambition to shape research agendas, influence policy, drive innovation and determine funding priorities across the environmental science landscape.

As a recognised transdisciplinary science leader, you will understand and contribute to addressing critical environmental challenges such as sustainable land management, net zero ambitions, biodiversity net gain, food security, restoration of soil health, air and water quality, health and well-being. Reporting to the Head of the Land, Soil and Coast Group, you will serve as Principal Investigator for the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) – a flagship, long‑term initiative delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government.

You will steer this programme of integrated national long‑term monitoring, modelling and provision of evidence and advice to support policy development and action. The programme is led by UKCEH through a collaborative consortium of more than 20 partners and 50 researchers spanning our UKCEH sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic oversight of ERAMMP and related initiatives.
• Shape future research agendas by building and sustaining partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
• Produce robust, high‑impact scientific outputs including policy briefings, reports, publications, and data products.
• Mentor and manage staff and students, fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high‑performing research culture.
• Translate complex, multidisciplinary evidence into clear insights and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
• Lead, develop and deliver high‑quality funding proposals that expand UKCEH’s research portfolio nationally or internationally.
• Represent UKCEH within national and international networks, acting as a respected scientific voice and advisor.
• Build trusted relationships across diverse partner organisations and funders.

Beyond ERAMMP, your work will contribute to the Land Use for Net Zero hub (LUNZ) and Qualitative Environmental Impact Assessments for Defra. This breadth offers an exceptional platform to broaden your expertise and shape meaningful, real‑world environmental outcomes. This role offers exceptional visibility and influence with the opportunity to make meaningful, lasting impact.

You’ll develop and champion the strategic benefits of integrated research with policymaking, positioning yourself as a trusted voice and influential leader within the environmental science community. You’ll also take a leading role in strengthening and expanding partnerships in Wales, the UK and EU.

Qualifications

• A PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience, providing a strong foundation in ecological, environmental or land‑based research.
• A robust academic or research background, gained within academia or a research institute, demonstrating depth of expertise and a commitment to scientific excellence.
• A broad and integrative understanding of ecology, soils and land‑use science, with the ability to generate, interpret and deliver high‑quality scientific outputs that influence both practice and policy.
• Experience working with, influencing and supporting funders, policy leads and key stakeholders, enabling you to navigate complex partnerships with confidence and credibility.
• Recognised leadership of multi‑disciplinary research teams, showing your ability to bring diverse expertise together to solve complex environmental challenges.
• An inspiring, collaborative and inclusive approach, motivating those around you and fostering a positive, high‑performing research culture.
• A strong track record of securing research funding, demonstrating strategic thinking, innovation and the ability to grow research programmes.
• Willingness to travel within the UK, including visits to Welsh Government and project partners.

Desirable Skills

• A demonstrable track record of international collaboration, showing your ability to work across borders and contribute to global evidence and analysis.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required to support collaborative research, dissemination and partnership building.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not‑for‑profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant).
• Peer reward and recognition scheme.
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone – regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance – has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process – please don’t hesitate to reach out.

So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.