Research Ecologist

**Research Ecologist (BTO Scotland)**
**Stirling, Scotland**
**Full time, Permanent**
**£**28,698** per annum + 11% employer pension contribution**

This is a full-time, permanent post, based at BTO Scotland (Stirling University Innovation Park), with flexible working permitted for 40% of the time. We are seeking an enthusiastic ecologist and competent data analyst, ideally with a broad knowledge of Scottish birds, habitats and conservation issues, to join our friendly and growing team of scientific staff based in Scotland.

The postholder will be line-managed by the Acting Head of Science Scotland (Dr Mark Wilson) and will work closely with other, mainly terrestrially-focused science staff in Scotland, as well as other staff across the wider BTO. The role will primarily comprise undertaking projects based in Scotland, but the postholder may also lend support to research work in Northern Ireland and further afield, dependent upon workloads and the postholder’s specific skills and experience.

The role will involve working on a range of research projects, and the work may include: the collection of new field data; analyses of ecological datasets collected by professional staff or volunteer citizen scientists; preparation, curation and analysis of large datasets; writing of technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers; supporting the development of surveys that enable greater participation of the public in research and monitoring work; and communication of science outputs (e.g. at conferences and online). Current and future research programmes at BTO Scotland may involve work on land-use change, woodland and forestry management, breeding wader ecology, raptors and raptor monitoring, fish-eating birds and riverine birds more generally, upland research, and involving stakeholders in monitoring and evaluating land management practices through co-creation and co-production approaches to scientific research.

The postholder must have strong reviewing, scientific writing and data analysis skills, and be prepared to be adaptable and to get involved in a wide range of scientific and development projects, gaining new skills and knowledge on the job where necessary. They should have a good working understanding of avian ecology, and specific knowledge of Scottish birds, habitats, drivers of change and conservation challenges would be a distinct advantage. Experience of designing and carrying out surveys of birds, good bird identification skills and an empathy with volunteer citizen scientists will all also be advantageous.

**SALARY AND BENEFITS**
£28,698 per annum
Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
Life assurance (four times salary)
11% employer pension contribution
Employee Assistance Programme
Retail discounts and Cycle to work scheme
Discounts on BTO books
Flexible working

**If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.**
**As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.**

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)