Applied Biodiversity Scientist

Salary - £40,574 - £43,056. Hybrid working (50/50). Permanent/Fixed Term.

Location:

Wallingford. Closing date for applications:
Friday 24th July. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Applied Biodiversity Scientist to join our Biodiversity Monitoring & Analysis group. Working within interdisciplinary teams, you will collaborate with colleagues across UKCEH and external partners to improve understanding of biodiversity change and the factors driving it. Using ecological data, statistical analysis, and modelling approaches, you will investigate the impacts of environmental change on species and habitats and help predict how biodiversity may respond under different future scenarios.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects that support environmental policy, conservation decision-making, and biodiversity recovery.

• Contribute to the design, analysis and interpretation of biodiversity data to support understanding and projecting biodiversity change, working collaboratively with colleagues across UKCEH and partner organisations.
• Work constructively within project teams, contributing to shared problem‑solving, supporting colleagues, and engaging openly with feedback.
• Represent the team in meetings with stakeholders and collaborators in a thoughtful and professional manner, demonstrating awareness of audience needs and context.
• Produce high‑quality scientific outputs (peer‑reviewed papers, reports and presentations), demonstrating good judgement in how evidence is framed, interpreted and presented.

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., ecology, conservation biology, environmental sciences).
• Expertise in applying quantitative methods for ecological questions, especially using long‑term monitoring datasets, with awareness of assumptions and uncertainties.
• Ability to exercise sound scientific judgement and evidence of discussing results critically and transparently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including experience of working collaboratively, reflecting on feedback, and adapting working styles to different team and stakeholder contexts.
• Good time management for delivery of personal work across a portfolio of projects.
• Professional self‑awareness, including recognising when to seek input, challenge assumptions, or adjust approaches.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated across a range of audiences.
• UKCEH is committed to supporting professional development, and we welcome applicants without fieldwork experience, providing opportunities to develop the necessary skills within the role.

• Generous annual leave – 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) + 3 for Christmas closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role).
• Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts.
• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives.
• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services.
• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution.
• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug‑in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2
  
  Work schemes.
• Interest‑free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply).

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves  warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

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.