Molecular Ecologist - Chief Scientist Group - 22446

The environment is changing at unprecedented rates. Climate and land use change, pollution and invasive species alter our environment with biodiversity loss and impacts on ecosystems having implications for ecosystem services. Molecular approaches offer opportunities to understand the environment in ways not previously possible. Measuring whole biotic communities may enhance our understanding of how ecosystems respond and adapt to the pressures acting on them. We are exploring the application, benefits and challenges of innovative molecular-based technology to support decision-making and management of environmental change.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic molecular ecologist to join our team. In this role you will apply your scientific expertise and vision to drive and shape the strategic direction of molecular-based technological research and its application. As a self-assured scientist you will be able to engage with a wide range of senior stakeholders. You will work closely with colleagues in the Environment Agency and with partners across Central Government Departments to develop, manage and deliver research on molecular technologies. You will build and maintain strong links with national and international research groups and influence research agendas. You will translate scientific knowledge and findings into information our customers can use in decision-making.

The Climate Change and Resource Efficiency Research team is part of the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides evidence and analysis to underpin our regulation and advice. We work on many aspects of environmental change including water resource, water quality and ecosystem dynamics and waste management. With strong links to academia and Central Government Departments, we commission and use scientific research to improve the way the Environment Agency tackles current and future challenges.

You will likely have postdoctoral or equivalent experience in molecular ecology or a related discipline. Understanding how qPCR, metabarcoding, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics can be used in an environmental context will be essential. Ideally you will have a strong understanding of the application of a variety of data analytical/bioinformatic approaches. Leading work in this area, you will engage with others to understand research needs, influence collaborations and partnership, and deliver results through others. With excellent communication skills you will have a proven ability to relay complex scientific information effectively and efficiently to a wide range of technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will be able to demonstrate experience of creating, directing and delivering research projects in an academic, government or industrial research setting. Highly organised and self-motivated, you will have the ability to work as part of a dispersed team and be capable of working both independently and collaboratively to deliver outcomes.

If you have any questions about this role please contact Kerry Walsh (kerry.walsh@environment-agency.gov.uk)

In your current role please tell us how you have used your scientific knowledge of molecular technologies to deliver a significant outcome for decision-makers?

You'll need to set and deliver high work standards. Please describe a molecular-based scientific achievement you are particularly proud of. What factors contributed to its success and what was the outcome?

In this role you will be communicating with a wide range of different partners and stakeholders. Please describe a time when you had to tailor your communication to a particular stakeholder to deliver a critical piece of work and tell us how you approached this?