Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage – Forest Research

As part of the Silviculture and Wood Properties science group in Forest Research, we work with silvicultural research colleagues to identify how forest management decisions affect wood properties. In this role you will also be working for a period of time each week with the Climate Change Research Group to examine how climate change influences wood properties, with an initial focus on mixed species and species diversification. Much of our work also involves collaboration with stakeholders from across the forest industry and with academic partners.

About the role

The post-holder will be responsible for leading and developing the Tree and Wood Properties research programme.

They will provide strategic direction and line management to the programme team and co-ordinate research to meet priorities identified in the Science and Innovation Strategy for Forestry in Great Britain. They will also develop their own areas of research on wood properties and will support the incorporation of information on wood properties into existing work on climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience.

The successful applicant will also be expected to identify and pursue opportunities for further development of the research programme, through external funding and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Key work areas

• Lead research into the tree and wood properties of softwood and hardwood species growing in the UK, liaising with customers and stakeholders as needed, in order to deliver agreed outputs
• Contribute to the development of knowledge on the effects of climate change on timber resources and their properties, improving guidance around building resilience
• Manage and co-ordinate the work of the Tree and Wood Properties programme team, including line management of staff as required and the preparation and monitoring of project budgets
• Ensure all work within the Tree and Wood Properties programme conforms to relevant Health and Safety and Quality Assurance standards
• Communicate results of their research through effective knowledge exchange, (likely to include trade and scientific publications, internal reports and presentations)
• Reinvigorate research collaboration between Timber Properties and Climate Change Research group and others, such as the mensuration and forecasting group
• Develop effective contacts with a wide range of potential collaborators and stakeholders, including industry, international researchers and relevant university departments
• Identify opportunities for external funding of research and co-ordinate funding applications.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Degree or equivalent in forestry, wood science or engineering
• Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of the UK’s forestry and wood-using industries
• Experience of managing a team and budgets to deliver agreed programmes of work
• Experience of designing and implementing field-based research projects, including responsibility for relevant Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of the influence of stand and site factors on wood properties
• Experience of applying statistics to wood properties datasets
• Author/co-author of peer reviewed scientific papers, conference presentations, trade journal articles
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, e.g. with representatives of industry, academia, policy makers and budget holders
• Experience of preparing bids for funding of research projects and of managing contracts following successful bids.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of assessing wood properties using any of the following techniques: x-ray densitometry, static bending tests, acoustic testing, light microscopy
• Experience of process-based modelling and the use of R software
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,260, Forestry Commission – Forest Research contributes £12,200 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Your career

• Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
• Access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings.

Your work/life balance

• Flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays.

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
• Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time.

Your benefits

• A highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions starting at 26% of your salary
• An employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
• Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
• Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
• With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.

Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.