Research Assistant jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Oxfordshire

Salary: £30,000-£40,000 DOE

Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

Our client is a well‑established, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality ecological services across the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a talented Senior Ecologist to join their Oxfordshire team and play a key role in leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and supporting the expansion of the ecology division.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing and delivering a diverse range of ecological projects, ensuring work is completed to high technical standards and within project timelines. You will contribute your expertise across all stages of project delivery, from survey design and fieldwork to reporting, stakeholder engagement, and client management.

• Lead and coordinate ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat assessments.
• Produce high‑quality technical reports, including EcIA, PEA, and species‑specific assessments.
• Provide robust ecological advice to clients, project teams, and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Support junior team members through mentoring, training, and quality assurance.
• Liaise with planning authorities, regulators, and other environmental professionals.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal writing and client relationship building.

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• Minimum 4‑5 years demonstrable experience within ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and industry guidance.
• Proven experience leading field surveys and delivering complex ecological reports.
• At least one protected species licence (e.g., bat, GCN, dormouse) or working towards.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Membership of CIEEM (Associate or above).
• Experience managing medium‑large scale projects.
• Data analysis and GIS skills (e.g., QGIS).
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience.

• Competitive salary of £30,000‑£40,000 dependent on experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements and a varied, interesting project portfolio.

Contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment for more information.

Closing date: Jan 11th 2026