Senior Research Officer (Wetland Landscapes and Processes Team)

WWT is seeking a wetland scientist to create ground-breaking evidence about the effectiveness of wetlands as nature-based solutions. This role will particularly focus on the evidence gaps about how wetland restoration and creation affects water quality and hydrological functioning. There is substantial scope for the successful candidate to help to develop these areas in the newly formed Wetland Landscapes and Processes Team.

The role will include evidence review, research design, fieldwork, analysis and write-up, including of academic papers. Initially, the successful candidate will lead on exciting areas of ongoing WWT science:

• Gathering and analysing evidence to determine the effectiveness of Natural Flood Management interventions on groundwater recharge (with the possibility of adding a water quality component to this work).
• Development of a strategy for the improvement of water quality at the 10 WWT visitor centres.

In addition, we want you to develop new projects that support WWT’s Strategy, using your skills to examine the effectiveness of treatment wetlands and other wetland nature-based solutions in improving water quality, flood and drought resilience.

This is an incredibly exciting time to work for WWT. Increased awareness of nature-based solutions to the nature and climate crises has brought new opportunities for wetland restoration. In line with this, WWT has an ambition to create and restore 100,000 hectares of wetland in the UK.

WWT’s success is built upon an evidence-based approach. Our Conservation Evidence department currently employs 29 staff, having doubled in size since 2021. We have a highly collaborative ethos in our interdisciplinary team (including physical, ecological, social and economic specialisms). We value publication of peer-reviewed papers, but we do so in a proportionate and supportive manner. Without teaching responsibilities, our scientists can focus on research. WWT Conservation fosters a friendly and constructive atmosphere – it is important to us that our staff are happy and satisfied at work. We work in collaboration with multiple academic partners and NGO across the UK and overseas. Above all, we have impact: our research diagnoses problems and identifies solutions, and in doing so we shape policy and action for wetland conservation. We have dedicated communications and policy teams that help to facilitate the timely communication of our research to important audiences strengthening our pathway to impact.  

You have a relevant PhD or equivalent experience, and you want to use your skills in wetland science to contribute to ambitious wetland conservation programmes. You are a team-player, problem-solver, partnership worker and a strong communicator.

At WWT we believe that everyone should be able to come to work, volunteer or support our organisation as their full selves. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where diversity and difference is valued. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria and strongly encourage individuals who are under-represented in the environmental and charity sectors to apply.