Job Description

Salary - 48,414 - 51,377

Hybrid working (50/50)

Permanent

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 a highly motivated Senior Freshwater Ecologist to join our vibrant team of researchers within the Aquatic Ecosystems Group at our Edinburgh site. As a senior member of our research team, you will help to shape the international response to the global decline of freshwater biodiversity, including its impact on people and nature.
We need your scientific vision, excellent leadership and communication skills, and your ability to generate research income, to deliver fundamental and policy-relevant research that underpins the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in the UK and globally. You will bring experience in leading high-impact collaborative projects and publications in your field, and will demonstrate excellence and innovation in developing the next generation of science leaders. By communicating with stakeholders, you will ensure that UKCEH's science has a positive impact on the environment and society.
You will work with colleagues across UKCEH to develop integrated approaches to addressing today's complex environmental problems. You will contribute to enhancing our world-class portfolio of scientific infrastructures and share knowledge through our data portals and citizen science apps, continually expanding the vision, ambition, and reach of our research.
You'll be joining a team with an established research portfolio that currently includes MERLIN, Biopole, uPcycle, GHG-Aqua, FutureLakes, and the long term monitoring of Loch Leven and the Cumbrian Lakes. Through these projects, and others, you will have immediate access to novel environmental data from which you can generate ideas for research funding. This includes untapped data resources from field sites in the Arctic, Antarctica, Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK.
Your main responsibilities will include:Managing project teams, deliverables, resources, budgets and risks Writing successful proposals for a range of funders and leading integrated projects that include freshwater ecology Building partnerships with key stakeholders and collaborators interested in freshwater ecology, conservation and management Contributing to the design and implementation of field campaigns on lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems within the UK and internationally, including the use of powerboats Taking a leading role in a particular specialism within freshwater ecology to build a body of work that contributes to the advancement of your area of science Actively supporting the strategic aims of your science and our organisational goals

You will join a team that offers immediate pathways to impact through established connections to global initiatives, including the United Nations (UK) Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Decade on Restoration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
For the role of Senior Freshwater Ecologist, we're looking for somebody who has:A PhD in environmental science or ecology, and a sound knowledge of policy relevant to freshwater sciences Experience of winning substantial amounts of research funding and leading large research projects that have a strong freshwater ecology component A proven international reputation in your freshwater ecology specialism, evidenced by a significant academic publication record and a number of high-impact reports Expertise in leading field campaigns in remote locations Experience in managing research teams effectively, including time, resources, and budgets, to deliver projects successfully Strong leadership skills, with an ability to motivate and inspire with integrity Effective line management skills, with an ability to coach/mentor and support the career development of other staff Excellent communications skills, including the ability to develop new collaborations with UK and international researchers and establish excellent working relationships with multi-/trans-disciplinary groups to deliver integrated science Experience in the statistical analysis/modelling of complex ecological datasets using programming languages (such as R, Python, etc.) A full UK (manual) driving licence A willingness to travel internationally and work overseas, in remote locations, for up to 3 weeks at a time

Applications are encouraged from candidates who can demonstrate international leadership in freshwater ecology with a broad understanding of the relationships between freshwater organisms and their environment. A good knowledge of empirical and process modelling that is grounded in statistical frameworks is also required.
In addition, it would be advantageous to have a recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, or SCRUM/Agile), some formal management training, and experience of chairing committees or working groups - although these skills are not essential.
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.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
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 ..

Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.
At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone--regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance--has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process--please don't hesitate to reach out. So, 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.

About Us


Here you can explore the kind of roles we recruit for, search our latest vacancies, learn more about what it's like to work at UKCEH, and find out about the many benefits of joining our team.
Every one of our 600+ staff and 50+ postgraduate students plays a vital role in delivering our ambition to understand the environment and the human impact on it, so that together people and nature can prosper.

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