Head of Society and Environment Research Group

Forest Research is seeking a Head of Society and Environment Research Group, based in the UK, with options for blended working (some remote work). The role involves leading a team of social scientists, developing research strategies, and delivering applied research on environmental issues. The position emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and contributing to organizational goals while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Location

The role can be based in Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY or in Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH or Forestry Commission Office, Bristol BS16 1EJ with blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

About the job

Job summary

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.

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 planet. You will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk

The postholder will lead the Society and Environment Research Group (SERG). SERG is a dynamic, agile group of over twenty social scientists from a range of disciplines, focusing on four broad thematic research areas:

1. Well-being and woodlands

2. Land manager behaviours in relation to trees and woodlands

3. Social dimensions of forest disturbance and tree health management

4. Social dimensions of wildlife management

At any one time, the group’s portfolio of projects numbers between 30-80. The group works in an interdisciplinary, collaborative and applied context. It delivers quantitative and qualitative evidence direct to policy and other research commissioners, presents at national and international conferences, as well as publishing in a range of high impact journals.

Job description

This is an important leadership role in Forest Research. The postholder will head the Society and Environment Research Group, leading the development and implementation of a scientific vision for the Group and combining this with their own applied research. They will encourage innovation, ensuring that the Group delivers high-quality applied research. As Group Lead, the individual will contribute to the delivery of organisational strategy through developing and implementing a business plan for the Group. They will also become a member of Forest Research’s wider leadership team, working collaboratively to shape our scientific work and culture.

The postholder will lead staff and team development for the Group and will plan and oversee the management of resources. Working with Group members to shape and deliver key research priorities, the postholder will oversee project management and budgeting for the research Group. They will proactively seek opportunities to develop the Group’s research portfolio and funding, alongside their own research activities. The postholder will represent the Group both within Forest Research and externally and will also contribute to development of Forest Research scientific strategy and outputs. The role will involve regular interaction and collaboration with the Chief Scientist’s team, Heads of Centre and other Science Group Leads within and across Centres. It is envisioned that the ratio of time spent on leadership and management activities compared to active research will be 50/50, however this will be regularly reviewed to take account of varying workloads through the year.

Key Work Areas:
• Lead the Science Group, including providing strategic direction and vision, coordinating its scientific work, communication and development

• Undertake scientific research, developing and deliver research in their area of expertise, ensuring that this research fits with Forest Research’s strategic priorities

• Lead resource planning, budgeting and management, ensuring that the Group’s work is of appropriate quality, and is delivered on time and to budget

• Provide expert advice on Society and Environment research to raise profile and increase impact

• Represent the Group and Forest Research internally and externally as required, building Forest Research reputation as a national and international leader in Society and Environment research

• Build and foster collaboration with external partners and across Forest Research’s Science Groups and Centres to bid for new work, catalyse new research and to enable staff development

• Act as line manager for key staff and ensure that all members of the Group have good line management support, training and development opportunities, and follow Forest Research business processes

Person specification

Essential Criteria:
• PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a relevant subject area
• Proven expertise and reputation in Social/Forestry/Environmental Science or similar research area
• Significant Experience of managing research teams, budgeting, and delivering projects / contracts / programmes
• A history of significant research outputs (journal papers, reports, articles, conferences)
• Proven track-record in bidding for complex and high-value research contracts and building productive applied research collaborations
• Good understanding of national and international social science funding landscape and experience working with business support services (e.g. Research Office) to realise funding opportunities
• A clear and effective communicator, able to adjust style and content to different audiences (including stakeholders and customers)

Desirable Criteria:
• Professional qualifications or evidence of training in HR and/or business management

• Familiarity with organisational management procedures, processes and corporate systems

• Proven experience in research quality management

• Experience of working with environmental/land use stakeholder organisations and agencies

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Developing Self and Others