Conservation Scientist – SeaChange Project (Fixed-Term)

September 1, 2026

The RSPB is hiring a Conservation Scientist for the SeaChange Project in Sandy, UK. The role involves modeling management interventions in marine environments to enhance biodiversity and assess GHG emissions. Candidates should have a PhD and experience in data analysis, conservation, and marine ecology. This fixed-term, full-time position lasts 18 months, with potential for extension. The role requires collaboration with policy teams and effective communication skills. The RSPB is seeking a highly motivated Conservation Scientist to join a multi-disciplinary team to explore scenario models of different combinations of management interventions and regimes across the UK’s marine environment landscape affect biodiversity restoration, GHG emissions, and provision for a range of human needs. What’s the role about? You will join a collaborative team consisting of Drs Richard Bradbury, Rob Field, and Joshua Copping. And will work closely with members of RSPB’s policy and advocacy team. This work will build on previous RSPB projects of a similar nature that were carried out in the terrestrial realm, but now with a focus on the marine environment and exploring the trades-offs and co-benefits of habitat restoration and marine protected area creation in the UK’s waters. This research will follow the same framework used in RSPB’s previous studies: <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949790624001952">www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949790624001952</a> You will draw on existing data to produce opportunity maps for habitat restoration and model the impacts of habitat restoration on a range of outcomes, such as biodiversity, GHG flux, food provision, amongst potential others, across a range of exploratory scenarios. The modelling framework and process will follow the same methods as those employed in previous RSPB research but adapted to suit the marine environment. You will work closely with the members of the RSPB’s policy team to provide them with the evidence they need for their advocacy work. Essential qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience: • PhD in a relevant subject • Experience/skills in handling, manipulating, and analyse of large datasets, including spatial data, preferably using R • Demonstrable skills and experience in conservation/marine ecology and at least one of the following areas: • Climate change mitigation • Renewable energy • Spatial scenario modelling • Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines • Able to work in collaboration with external organisations and individuals • Able to curate, analyse and interpret large and complex data sets to peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit. • Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with a range of audiences, including publishing in scientific journals and being a public face for RSPB science to various media This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week, for 18 months. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 30th June 2025. For further information please contact <a href="mailto:joshua.copping@rspb.org.uk">joshua.copping@rspb.org.uk</a> As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. 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. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

Back to blog

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...

DISCLAIMER