Biodiversity Monitoring Scientist in Wallingford

Salary: £31,942 to £33,898. Office Based (with Fieldwork). Permanent. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

We’re looking for a Biodiversity Monitoring Scientist to join our Biodiversity & Land Use Group based in Wallingford. As part of a small, collaborative and multidisciplinary group of Ecologists, Data Scientists and Engineers, you’ll play a key role in collecting, analysing and communicating evidence that informs conservation and management decisions. You’ll also contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects monitoring biodiversity across the UK and internationally.

This is a role where you can make a real impact – combining fieldwork with analytical and research responsibilities. While much of your time will be office-based, you’ll head out into the field a couple of times each month, visiting sites mainly across the South of England to deploy and maintain cutting‑edge biodiversity monitoring technologies.

Responsibilities

• Planning, coordinating, and undertaking UK-based fieldwork across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. farmers and landowners).
• Supporting the operation and maintenance of a national network of biodiversity monitoring systems.
• Processing, analysing, and interpreting large datasets using R to generate robust insights.
• Contributing to the preparation and publication of scientific articles and literature reviews.
• Supporting project management activities such as event and travel administration, budget monitoring and raising purchase orders.

Qualifications

• Holds a degree or has equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. MSc in biosciences), supported by demonstrable practical experience.
• Comfortable working with large datasets and experienced in data analysis using R.
• Able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team, with a flexible and collaborative research approach.
• Possesses strong project administration skills, including event and travel coordination, budget monitoring, and raising purchase orders.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well‑organised with strong time management skills, and able to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Holds a full UK manual driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience with biodiversity monitoring technologies (e.g. camera‑based or acoustic systems).

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 dependent).
• 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.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, and we’re happy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process – just let us know. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway.

Visa

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.