Principal Scientist - Blue Carbon

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, flexible working, job share.

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the UK’s leading and most diverse centre for applied marine and freshwater science. We currently rank in the top 5% of over 2,500 international institutes publishing in the same fields. We advise government and private sector customers in the UK and abroad on the environmental impact of their policies, programmes and activities through our scientific evidence and impartial expert advice.

The successful applicant for this Blue Carbon Principal Scientist role will be a leader in the Natural Capital team, working on Blue Carbon science-to-policy aspects of projects along with colleagues with a wide-ranging mix of analytical and advice skills. The successful applicant will lead and provide technical/policy input to current and future research programmes and support government decision making in this high profile area.

You will have an excellent understanding of Blue Carbon framing for emerging habitats, an established scientific profile and track-record in a related discipline, UK and international networks and relevant policy understanding, including the implementation of UNFCCC mechanisms for climate change mitigation, and excellent technical lead project delivery skills.

Personal Specification/ Essential Criteria

The successful applicant will have an excellent understanding of Blue Carbon framing for emerging habitats, an established scientific profile and track-record in a related discipline, UK and international networks and relevant policy understanding, including the implementation of UNFCCC mechanisms for climate change mitigation.

In addition to the above, further essential criteria for this role are:

• Proven track-record in delivering clear Blue Carbon advice to a range of stakeholders (e.g. Government policy teams, NGOs and the wider scientific community) with an ability to quickly understand and assimilate new evidence, assess uncertainty and identify potential implications in liaison with external bodies and networks.
• Proven technical expertise (as evidenced by publication record, positions of influence) and established networks in Blue Carbon, climate sciences or carbon cycles, with a solid understanding of the Blue Carbon framing.
• Track record in developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver agreed goals.
• Capability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts and messages to a range of audiences including expert/non-expert, and to prepare clear and concise written material.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment, be flexible, proactive and self-motivated.
• Excellent technical lead project delivery skills (including team leadership), and the ability to deliver to tight timescales and identify risks and opportunities.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday
• Access to learning and development tailored to your role
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/

For full details and to apply online please click here

Closing date for applications is Friday 24^th October 2025.

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