Salary - £30,684 - £32,563
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.* Please note that Interviews are expected to be held on 14 & 15 July 2025.
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to join our Ecology and Evolution group, part of the UKCEH Biodiversity and Land Use Science Area.This is a chance to be part of a dynamic and supportive team tackling big ecological questions - from how species and communities respond to environmental change, to the growing pressures of climate change, invasive pests and emerging diseases. Our work is global in scope but grounded in real-world impact.
With a particular focus on trees and forests, you'll contribute to research spanning the UK’s native woodlands through to boreal, temperate and tropical ecosystems around the world. If you're passionate about ecology and biodiversity, enjoy variety in your work, and are keen to make a difference through practical, applied research, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
This post is part of our 3-year Research Associate programme, designed to support early career scientists with a personalised training and development plan. Alongside hands-on experience and self-guided learning, you'll have access to a wide range of formal training opportunities – from in-person workshops to online courses. As part of the role, you’ll gain practical skills across a variety of areas, including field surveying, botanical identification, sampling techniques, experimental design, molecular biology, data handling, and more. You’ll also have the chance to complete additional training such as first aid and off-road driving – all supporting your growth as a well-rounded, field-ready researcher.
We’re looking for someone who’s as passionate about the natural world as they are practical – someone who thrives on variety, loves being outdoors in all weathers, and is equally at home in a field site, a glasshouse, or a laboratory. This role suits a curious and hands-on ecologist who enjoys getting stuck in, whether that’s hiking to a remote tropical site to collect samples, preparing a glasshouse trial over summer, or spending a few focused weeks in the lab processing field data.
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.
Your main responsibilities will include:
* Establishing, maintaining and measuring plants in experimental trials in the field and in glasshouses
* Measurement of plant populations in the wild - including fieldwork in the UK and overseas
* Molecular biology lab work including sample preparation, DNA extraction and archiving
* Management of glasshouse and laboratory areas
* Data handling and analysis
* Assisting in report and paper writing, presenting results to a variety of audiences
No two weeks will look the same. One month might be largely lab-based, sorting and analysing plant samples; the next could see you preparing for an international field campaign or travelling to our UK sites for short fieldwork trips. We’re looking for someone who embraces this kind of changeable, seasonal rhythm and finds energy in the challenge of adapting and learning as you go.
You'll need to be practical, organised, and open to working independently, although most work will be in close-knit teams. Some trips may involve working away from home for a few nights, and occasional international travel (up to two weeks) is part of the role. A full UK driving licence is essential, but you’ll have access to our fleet vehicles for travel.
For the role of Research Associate, we’re looking for somebody who:
* Holds a 2:1 or above in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology (or a related field)
* Has hands-on experience with lab and fieldwork, plus the skills to help run glasshouses and labs
* Is enthusiastic about ecology and excited to work outdoors year-round
* Is happy to travel overseas for extended periods, including remote locations in the tropics
* Can work well both independently and as part of a team
* Holds a full UK driving licence (this is an essential requirement due to amount of fieldwork involved; fleet vehicles are available to use. Please confirm this in your covering letter or CV)
Above all, we’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys the balance of field and lab work, and is excited by the idea of contributing to real-world ecological research in a dynamic, supportive team. If you’re someone who’s keen to build their skills across everything from botanical identification to experimental design, field surveying to molecular lab techniques, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Please note:
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. However, this position may qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally, if you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
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