Research Scientist – Forest Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment

Reference number: 358074
Location: Alice Holt Research Station, Farnham GU10 4LH with blended working

Who we are

Forest Research (FR) is a trusted and recognised provider of applied forest science, routinely
leading ambitious and innovative applied science projects. We have a fantastic reputation for
delivering world-class research that is regularly published in leading scientific journals.
Delivering data, products and services that enable our clients to better manage forests, we
adopt the boldest approaches in order to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. We are
now at an exciting point of research expansion in the field of forest biodiversity research. In
one key area of rapid development, we have secured funding for the application of novel forest
biodiversity monitoring methods using recent technological advances (i.e. DNA metabarcoding,
bioacoustics) as part of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme. These
promise to revolutionise biomonitoring and support action to address the Biodiversity Crisis by
allowing for more direct (as opposed to surrogate) measures of biodiversity. It is here that
you could find a stimulating challenge and make a significant positive contribution.

The work you will be doing

As a member of the multidisciplinary NCEA team, you will have a chance to make a significant
impact on England’s forest biodiversity by shaping the future of routine forest monitoring. You
do not need to be a molecular ecologist by training, but should be willing in partnership with
molecular ecologists to explore and apply novel applications of DNA metabarcoding in forest
biodiversity monitoring and assessment. Gathering evidence and devising sampling protocols
using DNA metabarcoding and other biomonitoring techniques, you will help us identify forest
species and assess the shape of communities that are resident in forest soils, vegetation
layers and the forest canopy. You will also contribute to projects that are exploring the
benefits of forest diversification in commercial forests. Designing field studies, selecting
study sites, planning studies and conducting fieldwork – plus publishing your scientific
outputs – you will be keen to collaborate with external partners such as Natural England and
Kew Gardens. Thanks to a combination of your own analysis of quantitative and qualitative
ecological datasets and the full support of commercial labs who are equipped to process DNA
samples at scale, this will enable us to assess forest biodiversity on a scale that has never
before been attempted.

Your skills and expertise

You will be self-motivated, have excellent communication, writing and organisation skills and
be capable of both working alone and as part of a team. With experience of conducting ecology
research, we will expect you to have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as ecology,
environmental science, or forest science. Crucially, you will also have well-developed skills
in handling, analysing, modelling, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data and a
good understanding of experimental design.

What we can offer

Join us in this stimulating role, and you will have the chance to make a tangible impact on the
future of the UK’s forests and resident species – plus benefit from plenty of learning
opportunities so that you can continue developing your expertise in this fascinating field. And
while job satisfaction is an important part of what we can offer, you will also find a friendly
and inclusive workplace in which you can find a great work-life balance thanks to hybrid
working options. You will benefit from 35.5 days of annual leave inclusive of public holidays,
and access to a desirable civil service pension scheme.

Closing date: 11 August 2024.
Interview Date: 19 August 2024.