Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science

Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science

Temporary 35437 - 35437 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Webrecruit

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative research for wetland conservation and collaborate with top universities.
  • Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and free entry to wetland centres.
  • Other info: Flexible working opportunities with travel across South West England.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact on conservation while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in ecological research and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 35437 - 35437 £ per year.

Do you want to lead the development of innovative research that delivers meaningful outcomes for wetland conservation? Would you like to work in a collaborative and supportive applied research setting? WWT's Wetland BioScience team are looking to recruit an experienced and motivated ecological scientist to lead the delivery of innovative research into saltmarsh invertebrates. Working within WWT's Wetland Evidence Department, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to internationally important science in collaboration with conservation practitioners and leading universities. This role provides the opportunity for you to apply your ecological expertise, curiosity and innovation to research that delivers real-world impact. This is a 3-year, fixed-term contract, working 37.5 hours a week.

About You

  • Experience designing and delivering ecological research projects
  • Strong knowledge of terrestrial invertebrate ecology and/or coastal wetland systems
  • Excellent analytical and scientific communication skills
  • Experience working collaboratively with academic or conservation partners
  • A passion for evidence-led conservation and nature recovery

Benefits

  • The opportunity to focus on impactful, purpose-driven conservation science
  • The chance to work across the interface of research, policy and practical conservation delivery
  • A supportive interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities to develop new collaborations and research ideas
  • Flexible and hybrid working opportunities - regular travel to sites in South West England will be required
  • Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
  • Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
  • 33 days’ annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) - this includes bank holidays, and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
  • Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
  • Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
  • Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
  • Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

Equal Opportunities

WWT is an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science employer: Webrecruit

WWT is an exceptional employer for those passionate about wetland conservation, offering a collaborative and supportive research environment where your work directly contributes to meaningful ecological outcomes. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee development, you will be part of a dedicated team that inspires and empowers you to make a real-world impact in conservation science.

Webrecruit

Contact Details:

Webrecruit Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science

Leverage University Connections

If you're still at uni or have recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and research departments. They often have leads on temporary research roles, internships, or projects that haven’t been widely advertised yet!

Get Involved in Research Communities

Join online forums and local meetups specific to your research area. Platforms like ResearchGate or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for finding short-term research opportunities and connecting with fellow researchers who might know of openings.

Showcase Your Skills Online

Create a professional portfolio showcasing your research work or projects. This doesn’t have to be fancy; a simple website or a well-organised LinkedIn profile can make you stand out to potential employers like Webrecruit.

Apply through Our Website!

Remember to check out the openings on our website. Applying directly for roles like the Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science at Webrecruit shows your enthusiasm and makes you more visible to hiring managers.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Officer, Wetland Science

Ecological Research Design
Terrestrial Invertebrate Ecology
Coastal Wetland Systems Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Scientific Communication Skills
Collaborative Working
Evidence-led Conservation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Research Skills:For a temporary role in scientific research, it’s key to highlight your hands-on experience and skills. Use your CV to detail any relevant projects or experiments you’ve worked on, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and techniques you've mastered. Don’t forget to mention any lab techniques or tools that you’re familiar with – this can really set you apart!

Highlight Your Adaptability:Since this is a temporary position, employers like Webrecruit will want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and fit in with diverse teams. Give examples of past experiences where you had to adapt swiftly, as it shows you’re ready for any challenges the research might throw at you.

Academic Credentials Matter:Make sure your academic background shines through, especially any relevant degrees, certifications, or publications. If you’ve been involved in conducting research, definitely bring that up! It’s important to demonstrate your theoretical foundations and any formal recognitions you've received in the scientific field.

Include References from Previous Researchers:Having strong references can make all the difference in a temporary role in scientific research. If you can, include references from previous supervisors or professors who can vouch for your research capabilities and work ethic. This adds credibility to your application and gives Webrecruit assurance of your skills and professional behaviour.

How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit

Understand the Research Landscape

Dive deep into the specific area of scientific research that Webrecruit focuses on. Whether it's biotech or environmental sciences, familiarise yourself with recent publications and breakthroughs. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but you're genuinely engaged with the field.

Don't Skip the Technical Skills

As a temporary hire, you might be expected to hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, like statistical software or lab equipment. Practise explaining your experience in a clear, structured way so the interviewers can grasp your skills right away.

Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability

Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new protocols and projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you've managed shifting priorities or learned new methodologies on the fly. This will help demonstrate that you're a quick learner who can contribute immediately.

Bring Your Best Work to the Table

Even if this is a temporary gig, showcase any relevant projects or research you've completed. If you have a portfolio, make it succinct yet impactful. Showcasing tangible results can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers at Webrecruit.