Biodiversity Monitoring Scientist in Wallingford

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.

You’ll turn data into meaningful insight, shaping how biodiversity is understood and managed, and share your findings with a wide range of stakeholders - from farmers and landowners to NGOs and government bodies such as DEFRA, JNCC and Natural England. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with an EU Working Group and contribute to an international network of scientists developing the next generation of biodiversity monitoring tools.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• 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

This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth, and if you’re motivated by seeing your work influence real-world decisions, this role offers a unique blend of science, collaboration and impact. You’ll benefit from national and international collaboration, gain valuable field experience, and have the chance to develop your own research aligned with our global biodiversity monitoring programmes. It’s an ideal opportunity for an early-career scientist looking for a well-rounded, impactful role.

For the role of Biodiversity Monitoring Scientist, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• 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)

If this role excites you and fits with your career goals, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with responses to the questions below. Your answers should highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to this role. Provide up to 150 words per question, using specific examples to demonstrate your personal contribution and impact.

• When working with large datasets in R (or other coding languages), what challenges have you encountered? Where would you welcome further development or support, and how would this help you grow in the role?
• What skills and approaches help you work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (e.g. citizen scientists, farmers, researchers, or government agencies)? Share a specific example, including any challenges you faced and how you addressed them.
• Looking ahead 10–15 years, what does your ideal career journey look like? How does this role support your ambitions, and what impact would you like to achieve?

Working for UKCEH is rewarding. 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.

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 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...

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’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.

Please note: 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.