Conservation Scientist - SeaChange Project

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is hiring a Conservation Scientist for the SeaChange Project in London. The role involves modeling management interventions in the UK’s marine environment to enhance biodiversity and assess GHG emissions. Candidates should have a PhD, experience with large datasets, and expertise in conservation or marine ecology. This is a fixed-term, full-time position for 18 months with a salary range of £28,800 to £48,000.
The RSPB is seeking a highly motivated Conservation Scientist to join a multi-disciplinary team to explore scenario models of different combinations of management interventions and regimes across the UK’s marine environment landscape, affecting biodiversity restoration, GHG emissions, and provision for a range of human needs.

What's the role about? You will join a collaborative team consisting of Drs Richard Bradbury, Rob Field, and Joshua Copping, working closely with RSPB’s policy and advocacy team.

This work will build on previous RSPB projects in the terrestrial realm, now focusing on the marine environment, exploring the trade-offs and co-benefits of habitat restoration and marine protected area creation in UK waters. The research will follow the framework used in previous RSPB studies, such as this publication .

You will utilize existing data to produce opportunity maps for habitat restoration and model impacts on outcomes like biodiversity, GHG flux, and food provision across various scenarios.

The modelling framework will adapt previous methods to suit the marine environment, providing evidence to support RSPB’s advocacy efforts.

Essential qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience: PhD in a relevant subject Experience with handling, manipulating, and analysing large datasets, including spatial data, preferably using R Proven expertise in conservation/marine ecology and one of the following areas: climate change mitigation, renewable energy, or spatial scenario modelling Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines Ability to collaborate with external organisations and individuals Capability to curate, analyse, and interpret complex data sets to peer-reviewed standards Effective communication skills for diverse audiences, including scientific publication and media engagement Additional information: This is a fixed-term, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week, lasting 18 months. The role may be extended or made permanent based on business needs. Benefits include pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days of annual leave (pro-rata). Application details: Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th June 2025. Interviews are expected to be conducted from 30th June 2025.

If interested, click the apply button to be directed to our website to complete your application.

Our commitment to diversity We value diversity and inclusivity. We especially encourage applications from people of colour and/or disabled individuals, who are underrepresented in the sector. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

As part of the application, you will need to submit your CV and complete an application form demonstrating how you meet the required skills and experience. Please contact us for support if needed.

For further information, contact .

No agencies please.

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Salary: GBP 28800 - 48000 per year

Experience: 3 years required