Senior Research Scientist - Water Resources - 33179

Senior Research Scientist - Water Resources - 33179
1
National
All
Various
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Science
Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
£43,198

22/02/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS05 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

Do you want to use your scientific skills to support the Environment Agency’s work building resilient water resources in a changing climate and environment?

We need to understand and prepare for a world of changing weather patterns, extreme events and habitat shifts. Pressures on water resources, including drought, water quality and changes in availability and demand for water, will impact both people and the environment. The journey to Net Zero will also alter our environment and we are at the forefront of thinking about what is needed to manage this transition.

We are looking for an experienced Research Scientist with the right expertise and the vision to help meet these challenges.

This role will see you join the Climate Change and Resource Efficiency team within Research, part of the Environment Agency Chief Scientist’s Group.

Whether you have acquired your knowledge in hydrology, groundwater, climate change, hydroecology, water resource planning or demand management, you will use your knowledge of water resources to understand impacts on the environment and translate insights in a helpful way for decision makers.

To do this you will:

  • deliver research projects

  • liaise with providers of science and information

  • advise Environment Agency colleagues

You will take responsibility and lead on aspects of water resources research, supporting and gaining experience from our existing research scientists. You will be familiar with the UK climate projections and their application to environmental impacts, particularly water resources. You will have opportunity to both undertake research and manage projects.

Effective communication and the ability to build great working relationships will be crucial.

 

The Climate Change and Resource Efficiency Research team is part of the EA's Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides the evidence and analysis to underpin our regulation and advice.

The 10 strong team has leading expertise in climate impacts and adaptation, water resources, and the management of waste. With strong links to academia and Central Government Departments, we commission and use scientific research to improve the way the EA tackles current and future challenges.

This is a scientific role undertaking research and providing technical support to others. Whether you developed your expertise through academic research or as a practitioner you will:

-Be a research scientist experienced in undertaking and managing research projects

-Be highly numerate with demonstrable skills in data analysis and interpretation of scientific information and research results

-Possess detailed understanding of science and management in a relevant water resources discipline

-Hold a relevant degree and likely to have a PhD, MRes, MSc or equivalent

It would be desirable if you are also:

-Familiar with water resource data and models used in the UK

-Familiarity with the UK Climate Projections and their use in a water context

-A good communicator, comfortable providing scientific advice to non-specialists

-Able to work with a wide range of internal and external customers

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact stuart.allen@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams during March or April 2026.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Data and Information Management
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes

As a Senior Research Scientist in water resources, you will have to analyse large amounts of data.

Describe an occasion when you analysed a large data set to address a water resources problem. What was the situation, how did you go about it, and what was the outcome?

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Scientific Knowledge
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

As a Senior Research Scientist in water resources, you will have to apply your scientific knowledge and undertake research projects.

Describe a piece of water resources research that you have undertaken recently. What did you investigate, how did you go about it, and what was the outcome?
Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing.

As a Senior Research Scientist in water resources, you will have to convey information clearly and accurately.

Give an example of when you have had to communicate complex information to a non-expert audience. What was the situation, how did you go about it, and how was it received?
Programme and Project Management
Selects, plans and manages contractors, programme or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.

As a Senior Research Scientist in water resources, you will have to work with others, including contractors.

Describe an occasion when you have worked with others to deliver a project. What was the project, what did you do, and what was the outcome?
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.