Location
Bangor (Gwynedd, Wales) - Hybrid working (50/50)

Hours
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)

Salary
£63,978–£79,549 per year

About the Role
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet. We are offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental leader to join UKCEH as Principal Ecosystem Ecologist, bringing expertise in shaping, leading and applying environmental research and evidence across multiple disciplines and scales.

Reporting to and working alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group, you will lead the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, helping to set its strategic direction, shape its research priorities and support the delivery of high-quality, impactful science. As Principal Investigator, you will lead the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) - a flagship, long-term programme delivered to the Welsh Government through a large consortium of partner organisations.

You will provide scientific direction across environmental monitoring, modelling, evidence synthesis and responsive research, bringing a transdisciplinary perspective and recognising the interconnections between environmental disciplines. Working closely with Welsh Government, you will shape a scientifically robust programme that meets policy and reporting needs and ensures evidence informs decision-making.

You will anticipate future environmental challenges, drive innovation and identify where advances such as AI, Earth observation and new sensor technologies could strengthen ERAMMP and shape its future development.

Your main responsibilities will include:
- Providing scientific and strategic leadership for ERAMMP and related applied research programmes, integrating complex evidence across environmental disciplines and translating it into trusted advice and insight for policymakers and practitioners.
- Working alongside the Head of Land, Soil and Coast Group to set the strategic direction and research priorities of the Ecosystems and Monitoring team, supporting the delivery of high-quality, impactful science.
- Mentoring and line-managing staff and students, fostering an inclusive, high-performing research culture.
- Producing and overseeing high-quality scientific outputs, including policy briefings, reports, publications and data products.
- Leading the development of high-quality funding proposals that expand UKCEH’s national and international research portfolio.
- Acting as a visible scientific leader and ambassador for UKCEH, building trusted strategic partnerships across government, devolved agencies, business, research and the wider environmental community in Wales, the UK and internationally.

This role offers exceptional visibility and influence, with the opportunity to shape major environmental research, build new partnerships and deliver lasting impact.

Experience
- A PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience.
- Recognised expertise in ecosystem, land-use or soil science, with a broad understanding of environmental science and the ability to integrate evidence across disciplines.
- Proven ability to work with senior leaders to set strategic direction and lead complex, multidisciplinary and multi-partner research programmes.
- Experience of inclusive, values-led line management, mentoring staff and supervising PhD students.
- Strong track record of influencing policy and practice through applied science.
- Experience working with government and senior stakeholders to understand, shape and challenge evidence needs.
- Demonstrated success in securing, commissioning or directing competitively funded research or evidence programmes.
- Excellent communication skills, including producing clear, authoritative policy briefings and representing scientific evidence credibly to policy, research and public audiences.
- Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, where required.

About you
We are looking for a collaborative and visionary environmental leader who can foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture. You will be proactive in building trusted stakeholder relationships and extending the reach and influence of UKCEH’s evidence to inform decision-making at multiple levels.

Qualifications
A PhD in environmental science or equivalent experience is essential for this role.