Principal Ecosystem Ecologist

Salary: £63,978–£79,549 Hybrid working (50/50)

Location:

Bangor (Gwynedd, Wales) Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week) Closing date for applications: 16 October 2026. We may begin reviewing applications from 9 October 2026 and progress suitable candidates before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply early. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate. Applications received after this initial review will still be considered if the vacancy remains open.

UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet. We’re offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental leader to join UKCEH as Principal Ecosystem Ecologist, bringing expertise in shaping, leading and applying environmental research and evidence across multiple disciplines and scales.

Reporting to and working alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group, you will lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, helping to set its strategic direction, shape its research priorities and support the delivery of high-quality, impactful science. As Principal Investigator, you will lead the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) - a flagship, long-term programme delivered to the Welsh Government through a large consortium of partner organisations.

You will provide scientific direction across environmental monitoring, modelling, evidence synthesis and responsive research, bringing a transdisciplinary perspective and recognising the interconnections between environmental disciplines. You will work closely with Welsh Government to shape a scientifically robust programme that meets its policy and reporting needs and ensures evidence informs decision‑making. You will anticipate future environmental challenges, drive innovation and identify where advances such as AI, Earth observation and new sensor technologies could strengthen ERAMMP and shape its future development.

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for ERAMMP and related applied research programmes, integrating complex evidence across environmental disciplines and translating it into trusted advice and insight for policymakers and practitioners.
• Work alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group to set the strategic direction and research priorities of the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, supporting the delivery of high-quality, impactful science.
• Mentor and line-manage staff and students, fostering an inclusive, high-performing research culture.
• Produce and oversee high-quality scientific outputs, including policy briefings, reports, publications and data products.
• Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals that expand UKCEH’s national and international research portfolio.
• Act as a visible scientific leader and ambassador for UKCEH, building trusted strategic partnerships across government, devolved agencies, business, research and the wider environmental community in Wales, the UK and internationally.
• More broadly, you will represent UKCEH in Wales, across the UK and internationally, serving as a visible ambassador for our science.
• You will build trusted stakeholder relationships, extend the reach and influence of our evidence, contribute your expertise to other projects, develop new collaborations and secure funding opportunities that strengthen and grow our research portfolio.

• A PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience.
• Recognised expertise in ecosystem, land-use or soil science, with a broad understanding of environmental science and…