Research Ecologist

The British Trust for Ornithology is seeking applications for a Research Ecologist at BTO’s headquarters in Thetford (although initially working at home due to Covid-19 restrictions) and will report to Senior Research Ecologists, Dr Ian Henderson and Dr Greg Conway, and Team Leader Dr Gavin Siriwardena. The post will be based in our Terrestrial Ecology Team and will undertake research on farmland and woodland biodiversity, especially birds, with a particular focus on monitoring and evaluation of agri-environment schemes.

Research Ecologist Responsibilities:

The post will mostly involve the analysis of data from BTO monitoring schemes and specific research projects, and collaborative data modelling with external organisations. The postholder will report results to funders and in the peer-reviewed literature, and also work with colleagues to develop new projects.

? To plan and to undertake research and other projects involving the analysis of existing datasets to address applied problems. All work will be done following programmes of work agreed with project managers, ensuring that high scientific standards are maintained.

? To undertake statistical analysis and modelling of BTO data and to use personal initiative to design and implement analyses of these and other data sets. To learn and to implement new statistical methods as required for particular projects.

? To work to tight deadlines, producing well-written reports on the work undertaken, and to maintain a scientific publication record in refereed scientific journals.

? To keep updated with the scientific literature relevant to the post holder’s main research areas, and to conduct literature reviews and other non-analytical projects as appropriate.

? To give oral and poster presentations of work at scientific conferences and seminars and to organise seminar and workshop events for specific projects, as appropriate.

? To communicate the results of projects to amateur ornithologists through semi-popular articles and occasional talks as required, and to answer postal/telephone queries, as appropriate to own knowledge and experience.

? To communicate results to the media, including TV and radio, as required.

? To contribute strategic and individual ideas for the development of BTO work. To contribute to the preparation of grant proposals in collaboration with other staff.

? To contribute to the wider scientific community through such activities as refereeing papers, sitting on external committees, etc..

? To undertake other duties commensurate with the level and purpose of the role.

Research Ecologist Requirements:

? PhD in ecology, statistics, other related areas, or equivalent experience.

? The ability to plan, design and execute analytical research projects and to see them through to the completion of reports and refereed publications. Experience of designing and carrying out field-based projects is also desirable.

? Excellent computing skills, analytical skills and ecological knowledge. Experience in field ecology, biodiversity monitoring and relevant data analysis (e.g. of long-term data sets) would be an advantage.

? The ability to learn new methods of statistical analysis and modelling and to apply them to large datasets.

? Expertise in computer programming for the manipulation and analysis of ecological data. Experience of using SAS and/or R is essential. The ability to learn the use of new programming languages and computer packages as required. Experience of GIS and spatial analysis would be an advantage.

? Good knowledge of avian and population biology and its application to conservation science.

? Good knowledge of the British avifauna and the ecology of its component species, and of bird survey techniques. Interests in natural history and UK taxa other than birds are also desirable.

? Ability to assimilate relevant information from the scientific literature.

? Proven ability to publish in refereed scientific journals and to write scientific reports.

? Ability to write clearly for a range of popular and semi-popular publications.

? Ability to lecture to a wide range of audience types, including research presentations at scientific conferences and meetings and talks to the general public.

? Good personal organisation and time management skills.

About The British Trust for Ornithology:

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is a UK charity that focuses on understanding birds and, in particular, how and why bird populations are changing. Our vision is of a world where people are inspired by birds and informed by science.

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU

Salary: £23,490.00 - £26,100.00 over 2 years + 11% employer pension contribution

Benefits: Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time). The post holder will qualify for life assurance (four times salary) and be automatically enrolled in the BTO group personal pension scheme, benefiting from an 11% employer contribution. Other benefits include Employee Assistance Programme, discounts on BTO books, flexible working and social events.

You may have experience of the following: Ecologist, Research Ecologist, Ecology, Ecosystems, Conservation, Environmental Consultant, Researcher, PhD, etc.

Ref: 94454