Principal Ecosystem Ecologist

Salary: £63,978–£79,549
Hybrid working (50/50)
Location: Bangor (Gwynedd, Wales)
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Closing date for applications: 16 October 2026. We may begin reviewing applications from 9 October 2026 and progress suitable candidates before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply early. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate. Applications received after this initial review will still be considered if the vacancy remains open.
UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet.
We’re offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental leader to join UKCEH as Principal Ecosystem Ecologist, bringing expertise in shaping, leading and applying environmental research and evidence across multiple disciplines and scales. Reporting to and working alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group, you will lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, helping to set its strategic direction, shape its research priorities and support the delivery of high-quality, impactful science.
As Principal Investigator, you will lead the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) - a flagship, long-term programme delivered to the Welsh Government through a large consortium of partner organisations. You will provide scientific direction across environmental monitoring, modelling, evidence synthesis and responsive research, bringing a transdisciplinary perspective and recognising the interconnections between environmental disciplines. You will work closely with Welsh Government to shape a scientifically robust programme that meets its policy and reporting needs and ensures evidence informs decision-making. You will anticipate future environmental challenges, drive innovation and identify where advances such as AI, Earth observation and new sensor technologies could strengthen ERAMMP and shape its future development.
Your main responsibilities will include:
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.
This role offers exceptional visibility and influence, with the opportunity to shape major environmental research, build new partnerships and deliver lasting impact.
For the role of Ecosystem Ecologist, we’re looking for somebody who has:
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.
How to apply and what happens next
If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you. Apply through our Workday portal by uploading your CV and answering the three questions below. A separate cover letter is not required. Please keep each response to 150 words or fewer, using clear examples that highlight your own contribution and relevant experience.
Q1. Describe a complex, multi-partner environmental research programme you have led. What was your contribution and impact?
Q2. Describe how you have worked with government or senior stakeholders to shape evidence needs and influence policy or practice.
Q3. Give an example of how you integrated evidence across environmental disciplines. What difference did it make?
Q4. Give an example of how you have worked collaboratively to set strategic direction and build an inclusive, high-performing team.
What happens next?
Our panel will review your application, and we are committed to providing an outcome to all applicants.
Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that benefit society as a whole. We’re proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it. You’ll be supported to develop your career, grow your skills and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
What we offer
At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure
10% employer pension contribution