Senior Research Associate

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join Water Resources East (WRE), in partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA), to help advance the evidence base for nature-based solutions (NbS) in delivering water security.

Two-year fixed term contract: Full time (37 hours per week), with possibility of part time and/or flexible working hours. This post is available from 1 April 2026 on a fixed-term basis for 24 months.

Contract details: The postholder will be employed by WRE but seconded to the University of East Anglia.

Location: Hybrid working arrangement, combining home working and working space at the University of East Anglia campus. The position will also require regular site visits across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, North Suffolk and North Essex.

Salary: £38,784 per annum with annual increment (Grade 7 on the UEA single salary spine).

Attractive benefits package: 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays in England, increasing by 1 day each full year of service to a maximum of 30 days. Plus performance-related bonus scheme, pension scheme, health and wellbeing benefits.

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from candidates based overseas.

The opportunity

This role will focus on demonstrating the effectiveness of NbS in improving water resources and water quality, alongside additional benefits such as natural flood management and improving biodiversity.

The postholder will be employed by WRE with a substantive post managed by WRE’s Head of Catchment Operations. The post will be seconded to the University of East Anglia for the term of the contract and managed and mentored by Professor Kevin Hiscock and Associate Professor Richard Cooper in the School of Environmental Sciences. The two organisations will work together to ensure the postholder is well supported with their wellbeing and their work.

You will have a relevant postgraduate level research qualification or equivalent professional experience. Ability to travel independently to project sites is essential – you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

WRE offers an attractive benefits package, including:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day per full year of service to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Performance-related bonus scheme of up to 8% of gross salary per annum
• Employer pension contributions up to 12% of gross salary
• Full health insurance
• Flexible working hours
• Monthly in-person team meetups (e.g.in Norwich, London or Cambridge). WRE does not have a central office.
• Budget for ongoing training and conference attendance for professional development.
• Annual membership fees paid for your chosen professional body.

Closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026

Interview information: Thursday 5 March 2026 at University of East Anglia

Further information

For further information, please see the Job Description.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Hannah Gray via email: hannahgray@wre.org.uk.

Application instructions

Please send a CV (maximum 2 pages plus publication history) and a covering letter (maximum 1 page) to Hannah Gray via the 'Apply' button above (E: hannahgray@wre.org.uk).