Job Description

About the Organisation

A world-leading, not-for-profit environmental research institute with more than 600 researchers, delivering independent evidence and insights that inform academia, government, business, and society.

The organisation focuses on critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, soil and water health, and the transition to a net-zero economy. With decades of expertise in long-term environmental monitoring, modelling, and ecosystem science, it shapes evidence-based policy and sustainable practices nationally and internationally.

Role Summary

The Science Director will lead the scientific vision and direction of the organisation. This senior leadership role will oversee research spanning air, land, water, biodiversity, soil, and climate disciplines, ensuring scientific excellence, innovation, and impact on pressing environmental and societal issues.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

Develop and deliver a science strategy addressing climate resilience, pollution mitigation, biodiversity protection, water resource management, soil health, and sustainable land use. Align research priorities with global and national needs while ensuring high impact for policy, commerce, and society.

2. Research Excellence & Governance

Ensure scientific rigour, integrity, and high-quality outputs across all programmes. Lead cross-disciplinary collaboration and strengthen governance structures for research performance, ethics, and resource planning.

3. Data and Infrastructure Stewardship

Champion the use of long-term datasets, monitoring platforms, and digital infrastructure. Drive the adoption of innovative technologies and modelling approaches to enhance research effectiveness and relevance.

4. Partnerships & Impact

Build strong collaborations with government, academia, industry, NGOs, and international organisations. Translate science into actionable tools, evidence, and solutions that support sustainable development and resilience.

5. External Engagement & Representation

Represent the organisation in high-level forums with policymakers, funders, and international bodies. Promote public engagement and citizen science initiatives to strengthen trust and awareness of environmental science.

6. Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing scientific leadership team. Promote an inclusive, collaborative culture guided by excellence, integrity, and teamwork.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

Senior leadership experience in environmental or ecological sciences. Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale research programmes and deliver high-impact outcomes. Strong experience in science strategy and governance. Established record of collaboration and partnership-building across multiple sectors. Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Desirable:

Experience in managing national or international research collaborations. Expertise in areas such as hydrology, ecology, climate science, soil science, biodiversity, or environmental modelling. Familiarity with research ethics, integrity frameworks, and science governance.

What We Offer

A pivotal leadership role in a respected, multidisciplinary environmental science organisation. The opportunity to shape science strategy and influence policy at national and international levels. A collaborative and inclusive culture where research directly supports environmental sustainability and societal well-being. Access to unique long-term datasets, monitoring systems, and world-class partnerships.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 75,000.00-115,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person