Principal Ecosystem Scientist: Research & Policy Leader

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Bangor; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension contribution

Life insurance and income protection

Hybrid working options

Wellbeing initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Bangor, Wales invites an experienced environmental leader to join us as Principal Ecosystem Ecologist. You will lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, shape research priorities, and translate complex evidence into trusted policy advice for Welsh Government and national partners.

Reporting to the Head of Land, Soil and Coast, you will steer ERAMMP, drive innovative monitoring and modelling, mentor staff, build collaborations, secure funding, and represent

Qualifications

• A PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience.
• Recognised expertise in ecosystem, land-use or soil science, with a broad understanding of environmental science and the ability to recognise interconnections and integrate evidence across disciplines.
• Proven ability to work with senior leaders to set strategic direction and lead complex, multidisciplinary and multi-partner research programmes.
• Experience of inclusive, values-led line management, together with the ability to mentor staff and supervise PhD students.
• Strong track record of influencing policy and practice through applied science.
• Experience of working with government and senior stakeholders to understand, shape and constructively challenge evidence needs.
• Demonstrated success in securing, commissioning or directing competitively funded research or evidence programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, authoritative policy briefings and represent scientific evidence credibly to policy, research and public audiences.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, where required.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for ERAMMP and related applied research programmes, integrating complex evidence across environmental disciplines and translating it into trusted advice and insight for policymakers and practitioners.
• Work alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group to set the strategic direction and research priorities of the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, supporting the delivery of high-quality, impactful science.
• Mentor and line-manage staff and students, fostering an inclusive, high-performing research culture.
• Produce and oversee high-quality scientific outputs, including policy briefings, reports, publications and data products.
• Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals that expand UKCEH’s national and international research portfolio.
• Act as a visible scientific leader and ambassador for UKCEH, building trusted strategic partnerships across government, devolved agencies, business, research and the wider environmental community in Wales, the UK and internationally.
• More broadly, you will represent UKCEH in Wales, across the UK and internationally, serving as a visible ambassador for our science.
• You will build trusted stakeholder relationships, extend the reach and influence of our evidence, contribute your expertise to other projects, develop new collaborations and secure funding opportunities that strengthen and grow our research portfolio.

Skills

Ecosystem science

Land-use science

Soil science

Policy influence

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Strategic leadership

Mentoring

Education

PhD in environmental science

Job description

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Bangor, Wales invites an experienced environmental leader to join us as Principal Ecosystem Ecologist. You will lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, shape research priorities, and translate complex evidence into trusted policy advice for Welsh Government and national partners.

Reporting to the Head of Land, Soil and Coast, you will steer ERAMMP, drive innovative monitoring and modelling, mentor staff, build collaborations, secure funding, and represent