Data Scientist - #145855

Are you a versatile and enthusiastic data scientist with a passion for biodiversity and the environment? Do you thrive at the intersection of applied ecological research and data science? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of biodiversity monitoring and data-driven conservation as a Data Scientist.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact environmental science by supporting a range of research programmes using data science methods to support conservation. You will play a key role in building and maintaining analytical pipelines that underpin long-term biodiversity monitoring, working with leading scientists across UKCEH. Your work will ensure that complex ecological data — from digital sensors to ad hoc citizen science observations — are transformed into actionable insight for conservation practitioners, land managers, researchers and policy makers.

You'll contribute to diverse projects, from routine monitoring to innovative research, including national biodiversity schemes and new technologies like in-situ cameras and acoustic sensors. Using advanced data science methods—such as machine learning and occupancy models—you'll analyse complex ecological data and support the development of biodiversity indicators. Most work is collaborative, involving NGOs, government bodies, and academic partners, offering broad networking opportunities across the UK and internationally. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

We offer a supportive environment for career development, with extensive training and mentoring available to help you grow your career as a data scientist.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop, maintain and improve analytical pipelines for long-term biodiversity monitoring datasets
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of complex ecological data using statistical and machine learning methods
• Support the curation and documentation of reproducible code and workflows using R or Python
• Apply cutting-edge AI techniques to analyse data from novel biodiversity sensors such as cameras and acoustic devices
• Work across multiple projects, balancing priorities and maintaining high-quality outputs to deadlines
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support co-design of solutions
• Participate in national and international research networks, contributing to open science and shared methods

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Strong programming skills in R or Python, with experience in writing clean, reproducible code (e.g. functions, packages, RMarkdown, etc.)
• Experience working with large datasets and/or complex ecological models
• Ability to build analysis workflows and pipelines from defined steps and support their documentation and curation
• Good communication skills, with the ability to explain analyses, and develop ideas with teammates and project partners
• Well organised with good time management skills, with the ability to work across multiple concurrent projects
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in interdisciplinary teams
• Desirable but non-essential experience includes:
• Working with APIs and integrating external data sources
• Familiarity with other programming languages (e.g. JavaScript, HTML)
• Experience using high-performance computing (HPC) environments
• Knowledge of occupancy modelling methods
• Experience manipulating and visualising very large datasets
• Familiarity with machine learning and AI methods for environmental data
• Experience in citizen science, either as a researcher or participant

Qualifications and experience:

• A postgraduate scientific qualification or equivalent experience in a quantitative discipline, e.g. ecology, biological sciences, engineering, physics, computer science, etc
• Demonstrated experience handling, analysing and communicating environmental or ecological data
• A track record of working collaboratively on scientific or applied research projects

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

We welcome applications from international candidates; however, at present, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.