Senior Research Ecologist

The BTO is looking for a Senior Research Ecologist to join our Dispersed Threats Team on a full
time, 12-month contract initially, to undertake modelling-based research as part of the
iPREPARE project. iPREPARE is a multi-stakeholder active surveillance and virological
investigation-based project, led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), that seeks to
define the impact and circulation of avian influenza viruses in bird populations within Great
Britain.

The post holder will be responsible for analysing existing BTO partnership bird monitoring
datasets, developing and processing new, large datasets derived from geospatial and satellite
remote sensing data, and publishing scientific papers.

The successful candidate will have a advanced skills in the manipulation and analysis of
environmental, ecological, geospatial, and satellite earth observation data, and a proficiency
in specialised statistical modelling and/or machine learning. A PhD involving analysis of
environmental, ecological or other geospatial data is also required.

Since 2021, the UK has experienced an unprecedented outbreak of the H5N1 High Pathogenicity
Avian Influenza (HPAIV) in wild birds. Having a detailed understanding of the temporal and
spatial variation in the numbers of waterbird species across the UK’s wetlands is essential to
develop a map describing the spatial variation in the force of HPAIV infection and to begin to
understand how outbreaks in poultry and captive birds may be related to environmental factors.
This role will extend and develop previous modelling frameworks to model waterbird
distributions in a more temporally and spatially refined way and will investigate suitable
statistical techniques to use, which may include machine learning approaches such as random
forest models, or spatial statistical approaches such as integrated nested Laplace
approximation (INLA).

You will report to the Head of the Dispersed Threats Team, Prof. Phil Atkinson, and work
closely on this project with the Head of the Wetland and Marine Research Team, Dr Niall Burton
and the Wetland Bird Survey Manager, Dr Teresa Frost.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from
home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also
be accommodated to enable a flexible work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under
‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if
you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role
in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to
inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering
them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and
objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome
everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• ★ £33,624 per annum
• ★ Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• ★ Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of
  flying.
• ★ Life assurance (four times salary)
• ★ 11% employer pension contribution
• ★ Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters
  related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a
  number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• ★ Enhanced sick pay
• ★ Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay.
  Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• ★ Retail discounts
• ★ Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• ★ Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House
  Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• ★ Free access to BTO
  training courses
• ★ Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish
  times (where this meets business needs)
• ★ Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• ★ Free car parking
• ★ Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of
  responsibility over time
• ★ Coaching and mentoring scheme
• ★ Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring,
  Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group
  creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• ★ Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• ★ Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 7th August and
interviews will be held in Thetford, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st August.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

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.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our
organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups
when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive
action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a
role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage
interview.

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