Teaching & Research Lecturer in Forestry/Agroforestry

School of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangor University; Bangor; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a full-time, permanent lecturer in Forestry or Agroforestry to enhance teaching and research in sustainable forest management. The role requires a PhD and expertise in areas like urban forestry, agroforestry systems, and forest health. Responsibilities include developing research programs, teaching, and supervising students. This position offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for engaging with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant subject area.
• Experience in teaching forestry and agroforestry systems.
• Strong interest in stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a research programme.
• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
• Supervise student projects at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Skills

Expertise in forestry

Agroforestry systems

Restoration

Urban forestry

Biology of tree pathogens

Education

PhD in environmental, ecological or forest/agroforestry sciences

Job description

Job Number

BU03833

School/Department

School of Environmental & Natural Sciences

Grade

8

Salary Information

Salary: £46,735 - £55,755 p.a. (Grade 8)

Contract Duration

Permanent

Responsible to

Head of School

Closing Date

01-09-2025

Bangor University is a leading UK and international academic centre in the field of forest sciences, with a strongly upward trajectory. To maintain and grow our record of excellence, we invite applications to a full-time, permanent Lectureship in Forestry or Agroforestry. We welcome applicants with expertise in forestry and agroforestry systems, restoration, urban forestry or in forest/tree health (including the biology of tree pathogens or pests). The focus of their teaching and research at Bangor will be to use this expertise to underpin sustainable agroforestry and forest management for the delivery of multiple ecosystem services and key international policy objectives. Key components of the teaching role will also include contribution to our international distance-learning MSc degree programmes and co-ordination of our BSc in Forestry & Environmental Management taught at Bangor College China in Changsha.

The post holder will have a PhD in a relevant subject area and we welcome applicants with expertise from a variety of disciplines or backgrounds relevant to ‘whole-systems’ assessment of forests or agroforests, not just at the ecosystem level but also up to the scale of the landscape, socio-ecological systems and product value chains. Bangor’s research and teaching in forestry and agroforestry has a global perspective so candidates may have experience of any forest types across the range from tropical to temperate and boreal, from moist to dry, and from natural forests to plantations and urban trees.

The successful candidate will be expected to make a strong contribution to our existing ethos of collaborative research and teaching, teamwork and multi-disciplinarity. We place a high value on excellent interpersonal skills. They will enhance and complement our existing areas of expertise specifically in forestry and agroforestry but also across environmental, conservation, biological and social sciences. The post holder will develop a research programme in their specialist discipline that will attract external funding, and generate high-quality outputs, international recognition and impact. They will also be enthusiastic to make an important contribution to teaching in agroforestry, and in woodland and tree management, and supervise student projects, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For this post a strong interest in engagement with external stakeholders will be key.

The successful candidates will be expected to commence by 1st January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.

To discuss this opportunity you are welcome to contact John Healey, Professor of Forest Sciences ([e-mail] ; https://www.bangor.ac.uk/natural-sciences/staff/john-healey/en) or Professor Nia Whiteley, Head of the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences ([e-mail]).

Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, https://jobs.bangor.ac.uk/.

However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Closing date for applications: 01 September 2025

Committed to Equal Opportunities.

Overview

Bangor University has an open and dynamic atmosphere in which ambitious academics thrive. The University is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, adjacent to the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in a landscape of mountains, sea, forests and countryside. The city of Bangor is well connected to metropolitan areas with direct train services to London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff, and by road via the A55 North Wales expressway.

The University was established in 1884 and currently has over 13,000 students. It comprises 9 Academic Schools grouped in 3 colleges. The College of Science and Engineering comprises the Schools of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Ocean Sciences and Computer Science & Engineering, and the Biocomposites Centre. The College has one of the largest concentrations of multidisciplinary environmental and natural resource scientists of any UK university. We have a world-class reputation for research and teaching in environmental sciences, natural resources, soil science, ecology, conservation and zoology, with forest science identified as a distinctive key strength. A notable feature is our strong multi-disciplinary groups, which foster inter-disciplinary research and enable us to address the needs of policy makers, society and the economy, through strong pathways to impact via our global networks.

During the past 15 years Bangor University has received major strategic government investment to increase research capacity, excellence and impact across the broader field of environmental science and technology.

The Bangor forestry group and its research

The forestry group within the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences comprises 15 academic staff, closely associated with other Bangor staff working in fields, such as conservation, microbiology, environmental and human geography, hydrology and wood science. Across these subjects a high proportion of PhD students are researching projects focused on forest and agroforestry topics creating a vibrant research culture. We aim to put Bangor at the forefront of international research and education to enhance the crucial role of forests and agroforestry in mitigating and adapting to climate change, conservation of biodiversity, food security, wellbeing and delivery of the full range of ecosystem services.

The group is carrying out high-profile research across a range of subjects, with an important inter-disciplinary component, including:

• tropical and temperate forest ecology, biogeochemistry and soil function; forest resilience and restoration
• biophysical and socio-economic aspects of agroforestry systems (linking to food security)
• forest conservation including a socio-ecological systems perspective and the effectiveness of conservation interventions (from both biodiversity and social equity considerations)
• broad applications of remote sensing, in particular lidar, to inventory and monitoring of forest structure, biomass, dynamics and management
• applications of molecular ecology to forest science and assessment
• forest entomology and wildlife ecology
• impacts of forest management, agroforestry and land use change on water resources
• landscape-scale modelling of deforestation, forest degradation and recovery impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function
• economic and systems modelling of ecosystem service delivery
• forest policy including the social science of forest governance and management.
  
  

Key Cross-cutting Themes Are:

• climate change mitigation through forest carbon sequestration and the forest products value chain as a key component of the circular bioeconomy
• elevated CO2, climate change and disturbance impacts on forest ecosystems.
  
  

The Project

We have very strong national and international networks that play a key role in Bangor’s forestry research and education. Our close partnership with The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is well established, with successive cohorts of CIFOR-ICRAF staff registered for Bangor PhDs, and CIFOR-ICRAF hosting the research projects of many Bangor MSc students. In the UK we are strengthening our partnerships with the government agency Forest Research (as its principal Welsh collaborator), UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and key research groups in other universities.

Bangor College China (BCC) is an important partnership with Central South University of Forestry and Technology in Changsha, Hunan Province. BCC has delivered a very successful BSc Forestry & Environmental Management degree for the past ten years, which has achieved high standards in its graduating students, with many first-class degrees awarded. BCC is strategically important to Bangor University, which is responsible for the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. The partnership also fosters a rapid expansion of collaborative forestry/environmental science research projects.

Forestry students and teaching at Bangor

Bangor University is both the first and largest educator in the forestry subject area in UK, spanning full-time and part-time distance-learning MSc, and BSc degrees. These are characterised by highly motivated cohorts of students, many with considerable existing experience, highly innovative teaching, and many new opportunities. Bangor’s excellence in forestry education is recognised by its overall ranking of 3rd in UK for Agriculture and Forestry, 1st for teaching quality and student experience, and 2nd for Research quality (Times/Sunday Times UK University Rankings 2025), and 9th most sustainable university in UK (64th= in the world) in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings.

At the MSc level, our part-time distance-learning degrees in Forestry, Tropical Forestry, and Agroforestry and Food Security have increased recruitment by >100% over the past 10 years up to 70 students per year currently. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has recently renewed its award of prestigious MSc studentships for the highest quality applicants, recognising the international leading status of our degrees. Delivery is blended with our full-time degrees, including the long-established MSc in Environmental Forestry. A notable feature is the highly international composition of our MSc student body (from more than 20 countries across 5 continents), including many professionals from government forest departments, NGOs and research organisations, creating excellent opportunities for collaboration.

Bangor’s BSc degrees in Forestry, and Conservation with Forestry have a more UK focus, yet attract a student intake with notably global perspectives. Our new BSc in Woodland Management and Conservation targets the crucial need to bridge between forestry and other land use sectors. Bangor alumni are becoming increasingly prominent in leading positions across the whole range of forestry/woodland organisations in UK and worldwide.

Facilities

Bangor hosts outstanding forest and laboratory provision for research and teaching including: large long-term tree diversity and silvopasture experiments and important conservation woodlands at our field research centre and botanic garden, and the Environment Centre Wales.

Purpose of the Job

We seek to appoint a full-time, permanent lecturer who will develop and complement our existing international reputation for excellence in forestry and agroforestry. We welcome applicants with expertise in forestry and agroforestry systems, restoration, urban forestry or in forest/tree health (including the biology of tree pathogens or pests). The focus of their teaching and research at Bangor will be to use this expertise to underpin sustainable agroforestry and forest management for the delivery of multiple ecosystem services and key international policy objectives. We aim to put Bangor at the forefront of international research and education to enhance the crucial role of forests and agroforestry in mitigating and adapting to climate change, conservation of biodiversity, food security, wellbeing and delivery of the full range of ecosystem services. Key components of the teaching role will include contribution to our international on-campus and distance-learning MSc degree programmes and co-ordination of our BSc in Forestry & Environmental Management taught at Bangor College China in Changsha.

The post holder will have a PhD in a relevant subject area and we welcome applicants with expertise from a variety of disciplines or backgrounds relevant to ‘whole-systems’ assessment of forests or agroforests, not just at the ecosystem level but also up to the scale of the landscape, socio-ecological systems and product value chains. Bangor’s research and teaching in forestry and agroforestry has a global perspective so candidates may have experience of any forest types across the range from tropical to temperate and boreal, from moist to dry, and from natural forests to plantations and urban trees.

The successful candidate will be expected to make a strong contribution to our existing ethos of collaborative research and teaching, teamwork and multi-disciplinarity. We place a high value on excellent interpersonal skills. They will enhance and complement our existing areas of expertise specifically in forestry and agroforestry but also across environmental, conservation, biological and social sciences. The post holder will develop a research programme in their specialist discipline that will attract external funding, and generate high-quality outputs, international recognition and impact. They will also be enthusiastic to make an important contribution to teaching in agroforestry, and in woodland and tree management, and supervise student projects, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For this post a strong interest in engagement with external stakeholders will be key.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research, Supervision Of Postgraduate Research And Outreach:

• Develop and maintain a research programme at the level of international excellence in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
• Produce internationally-excellent research publications.
• Secure external research funding from UK research councils or other sources of similar prestige, and manage the resulting projects and research staff.
• Develop collaborative research links within the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, and with external organisations.
• Supervise and examine the progress of postgraduate research students, and participate in the development of the postgraduate research programme across the College.
• Contribute to “outreach” activities (linking to government, industry/enterprises, NGOs, forestry profession, local and wider communities, the wider public) as appropriate.
  
  

Teaching:

• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including the planning, preparation and delivery of lectures, practicals and tutorials, and participation in field courses, as specified by the Head of School. Respond effectively to a variety of student backgrounds, learning styles and class sizes.
• Motivate students to proactive engagement in learning. Provide meaningful, constructive and timely feedback on the quality of their work, including the marking of formal assessments.
• Assist in the development and delivery of the School’s curricula, including new programmes, especially for degrees within the forestry and agroforestry subject area, and specifically for the BSc in Forestry & Environmental Management taught at Bangor College China (BCC).
• Keep up-to-date with new professional, educational and related social, economic and technological developments.
• Maintain an excellent standard of teaching as indicated by peer observation, quality assessment, student feedback etc.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student degree projects.
• Act as personal tutor to undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing academic and pastoral support.
• Undertake examination, invigilation and open-day duties as appropriate.
  
  

Administrative Duties Will Include:

• Act as programme co-ordinator for the BSc degree in Forestry & Environmental Management taught at BCC, with specific responsibility for enacting quality assurance procedures, module organisation and liaison with the other staff involved in teaching the degree.
• Participate in the student recruitment and induction procedures of the School.
• Contribute to the School's management, and participate in the administration of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Undertake other administrative duties and responsibilities as directed by the Head of School.
  
  

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• The post holder will be required to visit BCC at Changsha, China. The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing, and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.
  
  

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• PhD in environmental, ecological or forest/agroforestry sciences or a related subject, together with experience at a postdoctoral or equivalent level.
  
  

Experience/Knowledge

TEACHING

Essential

• Capability and enthusiasm to teach at a high standard subjects relevant to forestry/agroforestry, for example forestry and agroforestry systems, restoration, urban forestry or forest/tree health (including the biology of tree pathogens or pests), at appropriate levels for BSc and MSc courses
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of teaching practical ecological or environmental science or forestry/agroforestry through lectures, seminars, field practicals.
• Experience of teaching small and large groups.
• Experience of module development and delivery in higher education.
• Experience of supervising undergraduate and postgraduate student projects.
• Experience of on-line or blended teaching.
• A clear vision for the future of teaching in their subject area.
• Awareness of teaching quality assurance issues.
• Recognised achievement in quality teaching and curriculum development evidenced by a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education or be close to completion or recognition as an HEA Fellow or equivalent qualification.
  
  

RESEARCH



Essential

• Evidence of high-quality research activity (e.g. publication in international peer-reviewed journals, submission of ambitious research grant applications, substantial contributions to collaborative research programmes, giving presentations at international or major national conferences), or be an early career researcher demonstrating high potential.
• Up-to-date expertise in subject areas relevant to the post.
• Capacity to successfully manage research projects.
  
  

Desirable

• Recognised achievement in original research at an international level as evidenced by the following:
• Publications in leading peer-reviewed journals or papers that have received a high level of peer recognition or impact
• High-profile presentations at international conferences
• Prizes, awards or other external recognition
• Substantial role in major applications for external funding to support research
• Strategic appreciation of future funding opportunities.
• Clear vision of their own ideas for future research in their subject area.
• Potential to make a strong contribution to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
  
  

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Ability to articulate innovative and exciting approaches to teaching and research.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on their own initiative.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, relevant to leading and engaging effectively with both students and academic, research, technical and administrative staff.
• Excellent verbal and writing skills.
• Excellent computational skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in using “R” and other state-of-the-art modelling software.
• Experience of advanced use of GIS.
• Ability and flexibility to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Evidence of pursuit of appropriate professional development opportunities.
• The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this role. If applicants are not able to speak/write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.
  
  

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.

Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

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