Biological Invasions Research And Data Support Specialist

Biological Invasions Research & Data Support Specialist

Are you a meticulous, self-motivated individual with a passion for data and biological science? We are offering a 20-month contract post as a Biological Invasions Research & Data Support Specialist - ideally suited to someone looking for their first post in a research environment. You'll join our Population Ecology group within the Biodiversity and Land Use science area at UKCEH, where we are tackling the biodiversity crisis through robust science, long-term data, and collaborative insight.

Within this role, you'll be contributing directly to urgent work on biological invasions, supporting Government and stakeholders through extensive data compilation and the contributing to the alert system. This is a detail-oriented and vital role with limited time for training - we're seeking a studious, tenacious individual with strong attention to detail, able to work independently and manage routine, high-volume tasks.

Our research spans species and land-cover monitoring, ecosystem interactions, and the impacts of environmental change, providing critical evidence to inform conservation and policy. Through nationally significant capabilities such as the Biological Records Centre, we explore how species distributions are changing and what that means for ecosystems, agriculture, and society.

You will report directly to Dr Helen Roy, an internationally recognised Ecologist and Professor who leads major UK and global programmes on invasive non-native species. Helen's research combines large-scale data analysis with community science, and her work is central to shaping both national policy and international best practice. As part of her dynamic research group, you'll benefit from her exceptional leadership and commitment to collaboration, learning, and impact.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Support the delivery of projects on biological invasions, including data gathering and data entry
• Liaise with data providers and species experts to enhance data flow on non-native species
• Evidence synthesis on biological invasions, including extensive literature reviews for extraction of information
• Contribute to writing results for reports and peer-reviewed publications. Organise workshops, including practical arrangements (travel, budget, planning and delivery) and facilitate workshop sessions
• Some projects involve occasional working overseas, at times in remote locations, for up to two weeks at a time
• Project management support tasks

For the role of Biological Invasions Research & Data Support Specialist, we're looking for somebody who has:

• A higher degree in ecology or environmental sciences (or relevant and equivalent experience gained within a research or scientific environment)
• Proven experience handling large datasets and working with multiple lines of evidence
• The ability to manage complex data and reports to provide clear, timely management and statistical insights
• Working knowledge of the R language is desirable – we welcome candidates with a conceptual understanding who are willing to develop their skills further
• Some knowledge of the biological recording landscape in Great Britain and basic species identification skills are desirable; training and support will be provided
• An interest in evidence-based conservation and policy
• The ability to produce high-quality scientific writing with strong data manipulation skills
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Clear and effective oral and written communication
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to teamwork, with the ability to build strong working relationships across the organisation and with diverse stakeholders

You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding. We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years' service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today! If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don't hesitate to reach out. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.