Senior Molecular Ecologist

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A national research institute in Wallingford is seeking a Senior Molecular Ecologist who will lead projects focused on biodiversity and ecological change using eDNA and metabarcoding. The role requires a PhD and expertise in environmental genomics. You will have access to advanced facilities and work in a collaborative environment. This permanent position offers a salary of £48,414 to £51,377 and benefits including annual leave and pension contributions. Hybrid work is possible.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working opportunities

24/7 health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem function, especially in freshwater systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in eDNA and metabarcoding tools.
• Ability to manage and analyze large-scale genomic datasets.

Responsibilities

• Designing projects using eDNA and multi-taxa tools to quantify biodiversity.
• Integrating large genomic and ecological datasets using modern bioinformatics.
• Leading publications and contributing to grant applications.

Skills

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Metabarcoding

Bioinformatics

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

PhD in relevant subject

Degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Overview

Salary: £48,414 to £51,377

Permanent and Full-Time (37 hours per week)

Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Some hybrid working is possible with this role.

UKCEH has a n exciting opportunity for a Senior Molecular Ecologist with expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and bioinformatics to join the Molecular Ecology Group at UKCEH, based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.

You will lead and contribute to projects using multi-taxa molecular monitoring frameworks to study biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecological change in freshwater systems. The role focuses on developing and applying genomics and molecular tools to understand biodiversity dynamics across space and time, particularly in response to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. You will also have opportunities to work on large-scale river network studies, multi-domain biodiversity assessments, and development of novel tools to support regulators and conservation agencies. You’ll have access to UKCEH’s state-of-the-art facilities for high-throughput sequencing, advanced eDNA workflows, and high-performance computing (HPC).

About You

We are looking for a talented researcher with a background in molecular ecology, especially in the use of eDNA and multi-taxa molecular tools to monitor biodiversity and ecosystem change. You will have a strong track record in applying eDNA at catchment scale, using high-throughput sequencing across multiple domains of life, and linking biodiversity dynamics to ecological function and environmental drivers.

Ideally, you’ll bring experience of:

• Leading research teams and mentoring junior scientists
• Developing species-specific molecular tools to support policy and regulatory needs
• Delivering cross-disciplinary collaborations at the interface of molecular ecology, freshwater science, hydrology, and biodiversity policy

You will hold a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or environmental science), with an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) highly desirable.

Your Main Responsibilities Will Include:

• Designing and leading projects using eDNA, metabarcoding, and multi-taxa molecular tools to quantify biodiversity, population dynamics, and ecosystem function.
• Managing, analysing, and integrating large genomic and ecological datasets using modern bioinformatics approaches.
• Supporting the design and optimisation of molecular workflows for high-throughput sequencing and biodiversity monitoring.
• Collaborating across UKCEH and with national and international partners to co-develop new monitoring frameworks.
• Translating molecular ecology insights into practical applications, supporting policy, regulatory agencies, and conservation strategies.
• Leading and contributing to high-impact publications, grant applications, and collaborative research outputs.

For the Role of Molecular Ecologist, We’re Looking for Someone Who Has:

• A degree in biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or environmental science.
• A PhD in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in environmental genomics and molecular biodiversity monitoring.
• Demonstrated expertise in eDNA, metabarcoding, hydrology, and multi-taxa biodiversity assessment tools.
• Experience developing and applying bioinformatics workflows in R, Python, or similar environments.
• Strong knowledge of biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem function, particularly in freshwater systems.
• A proven ability to manage and analyse large-scale genomic datasets and translate findings into practical outcomes.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Desirable: Experience in leadership roles, mentoring junior scientists, and managing collaborative molecular ecology programmes.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. 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.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
• 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities
• And much more…

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.

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.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.

This role combines onsite work with the possibility of home working. However, due to the demands of the position, the majority of work is expected to be onsite (over 50%), with occasional periods of full-time onsite requirements.