Location
London, with regular travel to Slough and Richmond in London

Hours
Full Time - 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary
£38,119 per annum

About the Role
WWT’s Conservation Evidence Department is seeking a scientist to deliver research investigating the effects of urban river and floodplain interventions, focusing primarily on ecological communities, but also on hydrological functioning, water quality, and geomorphology. The successful candidate will work with existing data and collect new data to support these projects. Findings will be presented in reports, peer-reviewed publications, and at conferences.

This role arises from WWT’s involvement in Project Sponge (Slough) and Community Bluescapes (Richmond in London), where WWT collaborates with Richmond Borough and Slough Councils and other local partners to deliver innovative, nature-based flood alleviation initiatives aimed at future-proofing neighbourhoods against climate change impacts.

The position is within the vibrant, friendly, and multidisciplinary Conservation Evidence team, which is passionate about impactful research that diagnoses problems and identifies solutions to shape policy and action for global wetland conservation. The team collaborates extensively with government, NGOs, academic partners, and PhD students across the UK and overseas.

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2027 supporting hybrid working, with required travel to project sites for data collection, meetings, and site visits.

Experience
- Post-doctoral or equivalent experience in study conception and design, data collection, data analysis, and scientific reporting, particularly in ecology.
- Proven record of publishing in international scientific journals.
- Knowledge of methods to monitor hydrological effects of Natural Flood Management and/or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
- Ability to collaborate with and influence external organisations, demonstrating strong advocacy and communication skills.

About you
- Able and prepared to regularly collect data and attend meetings and site visits in Richmond and Slough.
- Collaborative team player comfortable working across departments and with external partners and volunteers.
- Passionate about delivering high-quality evidence to improve urban wetland management.
- Flexible and adaptable to hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications
- A PhD or equivalent experience in ecology or a related scientific discipline is expected.