Head of Upland Research, GWCT

Type of appointment: From August 2024, permanent

Reporting to: Director of Research

Location: Bywell, Northumberland, or Teesdale, County Durham.

Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Applications to: Dr Andrew Hoodless via the 'Apply' button above.

We seek an experienced ecologist to bring together the skills and specialist knowledge from the Upland Research team, along with external collaborators, to develop a relevant research portfolio in line with GWCT’s strategic plan. The post holder will lead, develop and manage research to improve understanding of the trade-offs between upland land use and wildlife conservation, between land use and ecosystem functions, and of the effects of climate change on species abundance and distribution.

We welcome applications from candidates with excellent leadership skills who can inspire, co-ordinate, develop and manage a small team of multi-disciplinary scientists within the GWCT Uplands Research team, collectively focussing on moorland and other upland habitats. Key to success will be the ability to harness the team’s talents and co-ordinate these to achieve success in funding applications and production of scientific papers across a range of journals. The Upland Research team has an historic and substantial reputation for the delivery of applied, experimental science on moorland management issues and the collection of long-term datasets on red and black grouse.

The Head of Upland Research will be a forward-thinking individual who can identify research needs, policy drivers and bring expertise together, along with the required funding, to deliver innovative solutions. The ability to collaborate with academic and NGO partners is essential, as is the ability to consistently prepare, monitor and deliver to agreed budgetary targets.

Candidates will be at post-doctorate level in upland science disciplines including, for example, ornithology, entomology, botany, moorland ecology, or farmland ecology. Candidates should have significant post-doctoral experience, a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrable success in external grant capture, collaboration, staff management, and budgetary skills.

The successful candidate will work with the GWCT Director of Fundraising and the Public Sector Fundraiser to raise external funding to ensure continuity and expansion of the Upland Research team. 

Skills, experience and knowledge

• Experience of directing, organising and undertaking research, including preparing research proposals, working on research projects, and meeting research project deliverables on time, including the publishing of research results.
• Experience of leading and managing research teams, including PhD and Masters students.
• Ability to source funding and match that to expenditure, including allowances for overhead costs.
• A track record in identifying research opportunities and developing these into funded projects.
• Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage a diverse and busy workload, plan effectively, prioritise and work to deadlines.
• Good analytical skills and judgement with the ability to analyse and resolve problems, identifying practical solutions.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent IT skills and ability to carry out statistical data analyses and modelling in relevant software e.g. R statistical software.
• Specialist technical / research area, with notable research record through research publications.
• An understanding of upland systems and the policy environment. 

Please send cover letter and CV to Dr Andrew Hoodless, GWCT Director of Research.

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