About the job

Job summary

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

The post is based in the Forest Mensuration, Growth and Yield Science Group of FR. The team aims to improve the scientific understanding of how to assess and manage forests and wood products to enhance their contributions to mitigating climate change and supplying sustainable timber and biomass. Our work is focused on 5 main areas: tree and timber measurement; forest growth modelling; forest carbon balance modelling; evaluation of wood supply chains; development of practical decision support tools. We achieve our aims using a range of scientific methods including monitoring a network of permanent forest research plots, developing remote sensing methods and mathematical models, policy analysis, life cycle assessment and literature reviews. 

A key feature of our work is our close support for policy and practice through working with Government departments, forestry and land management stakeholders, environmental NGOs, the EU and international bodies. 

Job description

The start date for this post is 1 September 2024.  The successful applicant will be expected to commit to the post full time for the duration of the contract.

The main purpose of the job is to support the Tree & Stand Modelling team in developing improved models for predicting the biomass of stands of trees of different tree species with varying growth rates and subject to different management prescriptions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking the model development and verification, ensuring a set of models are provided on time and to a level of quality agreed by the Science Group Leader. 

•    Lead the development of models for predicting tree diameter and height distributions, including:
a.    Co-developing the options for mathematical models and modelling approaches/methods
b.    Collaborating with the team to define the methods to be applied in the modelling exercise and to develop a work plan
c.    Carrying out the model development, calibration and validation
d.    Documenting data sources, modelling methods and results of the research
•    Contributing to project outputs including progress and final project reports and knowledge exchange activities.

The postholder will also support other research undertaken by the team as agreed with the Science Group Leader.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Solid understanding of algebraic and numerical solution of linear and nonlinear mathematical equations
• Understanding of the geometry of solids
• Familiarity with statistical methods such as maximum likelihood methods, or equivalent
• Programming skills in a mathematical/statistical language such as R or equivalent
• Good Problem solving skills
• Some UK travel will be required for team meetings. This may involve overnight stays 

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with Quality Assurance systems, version control and issues tracking
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Interest in environmental, forestry and climate change science

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,941, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £8,094 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sift Date:  8th / 9th July 2024
Interview Date: 18th July 2024

If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Working Together.  However, candidates will be expected to answer all questions on all behaviours at the interview stage.  

We require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. We will consider any proposals that would allow applicants to do the job by other means.

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but which have a potential skills match.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.