Senior Research Scientist Water Resources

Environment Agency; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental environment agency is seeking an experienced Research Scientist to support their work on resilient water resources amid climate change. The role involves delivering research projects, analyzing data, and providing insights to decision-makers. Candidates should have a relevant degree, strong data analysis skills, and experience in managing research projects. Effective communication and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders are essential. The position offers opportunities for professional development within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in undertaking and managing research projects.
• Highly numerate with skills in data analysis.
• Understanding of science and management in water resources.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research projects on climate impacts and water resources.
• Liaise with providers of science and information.
• Advise colleagues on research findings.

Skills

Data analysis and interpretation

Project management

Communication skills

Knowledge of hydrology or groundwater

Understanding of climate change impacts

Education

Relevant degree (PhD, MRes, MSc or equivalent)

Job description

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

Do you want to use your scientific skills to support the Environment Agency’s work building resilient water resources in a changing climate and environment?

We need to understand and prepare for a world of changing weather patterns, extreme events and habitat shifts. Pressures on water resources, including drought, water quality and changes in availability and demand for water, will impact both people and the environment. The journey to Net Zero will also alter our environment and we are at the forefront of thinking about what is needed to manage this transition.

We are looking for an experienced Research Scientist with the right expertise and the vision to help meet these challenges.

This role will see you join the Climate Change and Resource Efficiency team within Research, part of the Environment Agency Chief Scientist’s Group.

Whether you have acquired your knowledge in hydrology, groundwater, climate change, hydroecology, water resource planning or demand management, you will use your knowledge of water resources to understand impacts on the environment and translate insights in a helpful way for decision makers.

To do this you will:

• deliver research projects
• liaise with providers of science and information
• advise Environment Agency colleagues

You will take responsibility and lead on aspects of water resources research, supporting and gaining experience from our existing research scientists. You will be familiar with the UK climate projections and their application to environmental impacts, particularly water resources. You will have opportunity to both undertake research and manage projects.

Effective communication and the ability to build great working relationships will be crucial.

The team

The Climate Change and Resource Efficiency Research team is part of the EA's Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides the evidence and analysis to underpin our regulation and advice.

The 10 strong team has leading expertise in climate impacts and adaptation, water resources, and the management of waste. With strong links to academia and Central Government Departments, we commission and use scientific research to improve the way the EA tackles current and future challenges.

Experience/skills required

This is a scientific role undertaking research and providing technical support to others. Whether you developed your expertise through academic research or as a practitioner you will:

• Be a research scientist experienced in undertaking and managing research projects
• Be highly numerate with demonstrable skills in data analysis and interpretation of scientific information and research results
• Possess detailed understanding of science and management in a relevant water resources discipline
• Hold a relevant degree and likely to have a PhD, MRes, MSc or equivalent

It would be desirable if you are also

• Familiar with water resource data and models used in the UK
• Familiarity with the UK Climate Projections and their use in a water context
• A good communicator, comfortable providing scientific advice to non-specialists
• Able to work with a wide range of internal and external customers

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.