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Conservation Scientist
Full-time
United States · England, UK · Remote
Posted on Oct 17, 2026
We have a fantastic opportunity to join the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. We are recruiting a Conservation Scientist to lead research on the Ring Ouzel, a charismatic but declining species of upland and montane areas.
What’s the role about?
The project aims to design recovery interventions by; i) understanding habitat use on breeding, migration and wintering areas, threats faced and migratory connectivity between breeding populations. The postholder will oversee the deployment of satellite tags to breeding birds to collect these data; ii) analysing data from a UK solution trialling project, which tested the response of habitat and breeding Ring Ouzel to recovery interventions.
The role location is flexible within the UK although the postholder must be able to undertake regular visits to northern England during the field season, plus occasional travel to attend events with some overnight stays. The role will be home based with access to an RSPB office/s.
What we need from you?
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Scientific research experience (completed a PhD or managed equivalent project/s)
- Collaborative working - ability to build effective, respectful collaborations with colleagues, partners and funders.
- Digital and analytical skills - ability to use Microsoft Office, GIS/remote sensing tools (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS) and R or equivalent statistical software to manage, analyse and present data.
- Advanced statistical analysis - experience working with complex datasets, ideally including movement or tracking data.
- Project and time management - ability to plan, organise and deliver work independently, balancing multiple priorities.
- Lead the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals
- Communication and presentation - ability to present research clearly to internal and external audiences.
- Fieldwork skills - experience working safely and effectively in challenging terrain, ideally upland environments, including nest finding (preferably songbirds) and monitoring nest, chick and adult survival.
- Bird handling - experience handling birds; ideally holding a BTO or equivalent ringing permit, with preference for experience with Ring Ouzel adults and nestlings, mist-netting, and deploying tracking devices.
- Upland ecology knowledge - understanding of UK upland habitats, species, land-use systems and interventions that support nature recovery.
- Supervision - experience supervising or supporting field staff.
- Driving licence - a full UK driving licence (or equivalent that permits driving in the UK).
This role can be worked remotely, although field season requires postholder to visit N Eng.
Additional Information
Fixed Term contract (37.5 hrs per week) from Jan 2027 to Mar 2029, dependent on confirmation of external funding.
We will conduct interviews from early Sep. For further information about the role please contact david.douglas@rspb.org.uk.
As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide your CV and complete an application form. Please explain in the application form how you meet the essential criteria above.
This role will require completion of standard pre-employment checks. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role may be eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.