Principal Ecosystem Scientist & Policy Leader

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH); Bangor; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Hybrid working flexibility

Generous annual leave

Life assurance & income protection

Wellbeing initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work & salary sacrifice options

Travel season ticket loans

Job summary

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in Bangor invites an experienced environmental leader to become Principal Ecosystem Ecologist. You will shape strategy for ERAMMP, lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team and provide scientific direction across environmental monitoring, modelling and evidence synthesis.

You will collaborate with Welsh Government, manage staff and PhD students, develop funding proposals, and build partnerships across government and international partners, influencing

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience.
• Expertise in ecosystem, land-use or soil science with cross-disciplinary understanding.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-partner research programmes with senior leaders.
• Experience in inclusive, values-led line management and mentoring PhD students.
• Strong track record influencing policy through applied science.
• Experience working with government and senior stakeholders to shape evidence needs.
• Proven ability to secure or direct competitively funded research.
• Excellent communication to policy, research and public audiences.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for ERAMMP and related applied research programmes, translating complex evidence into trusted policy advice.
• Set strategic direction and research priorities for the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, delivering high-quality science.
• Mentor and line‑manage staff and students, fostering an inclusive research culture.
• Produce high‑quality outputs, including policy briefings, reports, publications and data products.
• Lead development of funding proposals to expand UKCEH’s national and international portfolio.
• Represent UKCEH as a scientific leader, building partnerships with government, agencies, business and academia.

Skills

Leadership & strategic direction

Policy influence

Mentoring & line management

Policy communication

Grant & proposal development

Education

PhD in environmental science or equivalent

Job description

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in Bangor invites an experienced environmental leader to become Principal Ecosystem Ecologist. You will shape strategy for ERAMMP, lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team and provide scientific direction across environmental monitoring, modelling and evidence synthesis.

You will collaborate with Welsh Government, manage staff and PhD students, develop funding proposals, and build partnerships across government and international partners, influencing