Location
Flexible within the UK, home based with access to RSPB offices. Regular visits to northern England during the field season and occasional travel with overnight stays required.

Hours
Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Salary
£40,381 per annum

About the Role
Join the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science as a Conservation Scientist leading research on the Ring Ouzel, a charismatic but declining species of upland and montane areas. The project focuses on designing recovery interventions by understanding habitat use during breeding, migration, and wintering, identifying threats, and studying migratory connectivity between breeding populations. The postholder will oversee the deployment of satellite tags on breeding birds to collect data and analyse results from a UK trial project testing habitat and breeding responses to recovery interventions. This role requires strong scientific research leadership, data analysis, and fieldwork skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to deliver impactful conservation outcomes.

Experience
- Scientific research experience with a completed PhD or equivalent project management
- Collaborative working skills to build effective partnerships with colleagues, partners, and funders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS/remote sensing tools (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS), and R or equivalent statistical software
- Advanced statistical analysis experience, ideally with complex datasets including movement or tracking data
- Project and time management skills to plan, organise, and deliver work independently
- Proven track record of leading research publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Strong communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences
- Fieldwork experience in challenging terrain, preferably upland environments, including nest finding and monitoring survival of songbirds
- Bird handling experience, ideally with a BTO or equivalent ringing permit, including handling Ring Ouzel adults and nestlings, mist-netting, and deploying tracking devices
- Knowledge of UK upland ecology, habitats, species, land-use systems, and nature recovery interventions
- Experience supervising or supporting field staff
- Full UK driving licence or equivalent permitting driving in the UK

About you
Self-motivated and organised with the ability to balance multiple priorities independently. Enthusiastic about upland ecology and conservation science, with strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration. Comfortable working remotely and travelling regularly during the field season.

Qualifications
PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent research experience. Valid bird ringing permit (BTO or equivalent) preferred.