Overview
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage – Forest Research
A forest ecology position is available to support research focussed on implementing and improving new methods in forest biodiversity monitoring and assessment, including novel technologies such as DNA metabarcoding and bioacoustics.
The research has a strong focus on incorporating measures of woodland ecological condition into natural capital ecosystem accounting within the DEFRA-funded Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Project. National Forest Inventory (NFI) sample squares are used as the platform for new empirical biodiversity data collection. Collaborating agencies in the NCEA Programme include Natural England, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), the Bat Conservation Trust among others.
The post-holder will be a member of the Land use and Ecosystem Services Research Group within the Centre for Forest Management. The Centre leads FR’s research into climate change, urban forests, silviculture, land use and ecosystem services, and the ways in which society values trees.
The forest ecology team the post-holder will be joining, is at the forefront in the forestry sector of applying molecular tools (DNA metabarcoding) as a direct measure of biodiversity. Forest diversification and tree functional trait effects on biodiversity and forest resilience are other key specialist research topic strengths. The team has strong national and international links, publishing widely in peer-reviewed, applied and trade journals.
Job description
The successful applicant will support the delivery of a number of NCEA biodiversity monitoring and assessment projects. The NCEA projects are applying DNA metabarcoding and acoustic monitoring across multiple taxonomic groups (i.e. forest mammals, soil invertebrates and fungi, canopy and sub-canopy arthropods). Alongside this work, the applicant will also assist with the development and advancement of the Biodiversity Across Forest Types Project, an important area of research that focusses on describing how different forest types and forest management shape associated communities across multiple taxonomic groups.
The successful applicant will work collaboratively with Forest Research scientists across disciplines (molecular ecologists, vertebrate and invertebrate experts, landscape ecologists) to ensure that the collection of environmental DNA, specimens and wider environmental metadata are fully aligned.
They will facilitate the timely collection of field samples, preparation of sample manifests, liaising with land-owners, field surveyors, and external service providers (e.g. molecular and soil chemistry labs, contractors) and the maintenance and preparation of field equipment and associated consumables. They will also contribute to data analysis and scientific outputs, including papers and reports.
Key Work Areas
The successful applicant will be required to:
– Undertake varied field-based biodiversity assessments (collecting data on multiple abiotic and biotic variables), site selection visits and lab-based processing of field samples, contributing to national and international standardised biomonitoring initiatives
– Liaise with colleagues and external project collaborators to develop realistic work schedules; carefully plan and monitor time allocation on multiple projects
– Prepare sampling kits (e.g. arthropod traps, soil sampling tools) for field staff, ensuring thorough sterilisation and timely dispatch
– Draft and refine sample manifests. Receive and process field samples, ensuring quality control standards are met
– Contribute to field study sample design, study site selection and planning
– Contribute to the analysis of quantitative and qualitative ecological datasets, applying R procedures and code
– Share and archive code and data responsibly for quality assurance purposes and to facilitate collaboration
– Contribute to the production of written reports to research funders and peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with colleagues and project partners
– Work with other members of the forest ecology team in an interdisciplinary manner to identify and develop novel areas of research for future project proposals
– Provide training on field and lab sample methodologies to research assistants/field surveyors
– Manage the purchase, maintenance of field and lab equipment related to the projects
– Contribute to lab management duties.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- Honours degree or equivalent with substantial content of ecology; environmental science; forest science; physical science or biological sciences or equivalent experience
- Experience of ecology field work, ecological sampling techniques, the measurement of physical variables
- Excellent organisational, sample /data handling and record keeping skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in collecting and analysing UK forest ecology data
- Evidence of excellent skills as a team player and collaborative, supportive partnership working
- Experience in analysing, modelling, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data sets with statistical packages.
- Experience in the identification of ground vegetation, arthropods, fungi, soil invertebrates and/or mammal species
- Skilled in good laboratory practice with demonstrated experience of using microscopes, H&S processes
- Evidence of excellent communication skills, including writing skills, aimed at a range of audiences (e.g. general public, forest managers, fellow scientists)
- Practiced with sample collection for DNA barcoding and/or metabarcoding analysis and related data interpretation.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together