Scientist - Climate Change

Job summary

Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, UK wide. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.

The Climate Change Research Group works to improve understanding of forest functions. These include the impact of climate change on forests and forestry and what role forestry can have in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. We also investigate how forestry practice can adapt to reduce the impact of climate change and to benefit from any opportunities. The research is across the spectrum from more fundamental measurements, through developing methods and tools, undertaking practical action and demonstration, and providing advice and evidence to underpin policy. We have many external collaborations in the UK and internationally.

Job description

This job will involve a varied mixture of desk, laboratory, and field work, primarily within the UK. The post-holder will support work at our eddy covariance peatland flux tower site, with responsibility for soil-based assessments of GHG dynamics and hydrological monitoring. They will also be responsible for other shorter-term experiments measuring GHG fluxes, tree growth dynamics, and ecophysiology. There is scope for the post-holder to develop their own work in these areas. Field work will involve taking measurements, installing, and maintaining instrumentation. Laboratory work will involve setting up, testing and calibrating equipment and ensuring equipment inventories, standard operating procedures and risk assessments are up to date. The post-holder will also be required to carry out data analysis, visualisation, summary, and report writing and communicating results to different audiences, on their own and with colleagues.

Key Work Areas

• Setting up, maintaining, and running a range of field experimental assessments in forest environments using meteorological, data-logging and GHG flux instrumentation.
• Conducting a range of field measurements, including hydrological assessments.
• Calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining complex instrumentation.
• Carrying out quality assurance and preliminary data analysis of complex data sets; summarising the main results of these analyses in both scientific and non-technical manner.
• Contributing to internal reports, trade, and scientific journal articles.
• Talking to a wide range of audiences, both at seminars and during field visits.
• Coordinating with other FR and local forest district staff to deliver key work, with oversight of health and safety for site visits and managing collaborator access to sites.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• A degree in a relevant science or environmental discipline, closely related subject or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrable experience of using electronic equipment (such as data loggers) and other instrumentation (e.g. gas analysers) for environmental monitoring.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and appropriately for different audiences.
• Good numerical skills, with data analysis experience in R (or similar).
• Be well organised, be thorough and maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Ability both to work on their own and demonstrate effective team working.
• Willingness to work outside in all seasons.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and training as required.

Due to the nature of the role, we require applicants to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK.

Travel and overnight stays are estimated to be required up to 2 weeks per month. However, this will not necessarily be continuous and likely to be broken up with days in the office.

Desirable Criteria:

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• Experience using sensors to monitor tree & soil ecophysiology, meteorology and greenhouse gas fluxes.
• Interest in the impact on and role of peatlands and forestry, in climate regulation.
• Demonstrable individual research experience.
• Knowledge and experience of environmental monitoring, soils and vegetation survey methods.
• Experience of conducting field experiments and laboratory work.
• Ability to process and analyse large and complex data sets.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,854, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £9,807 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Your career

• Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
• access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings

Your work/life balance

• flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
• Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time

Your benefits

• a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary
• an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops