PDRA Integrating Finance and Biodiversity for a Nature Positive Future

The Opportunity: 

We are looking for an ecological scientist with knowledge of natural capital networks, nature tech and biodiversity data to work within the Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes on the NERC funded project until March 2026 to develop new understanding through action research involving collaboration with UK and international policy and practice networks to understand good practices and policies and synthesise and transfer this knowledge for better biodiversity markets and policy 

This post is fixed term (until March 2026) and part-time (17.5 hours per week). We are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.   

 Your skills and attributes for success:  

Knowledge of the traditional ecological and new nature tech scientific methods and tools and practices for collecting biodiversity data for and from natural capital projects. 

Knowledge of research synthesis methods, case study-based research approaches and experience of testing Generative AI LLMs as a tool for this. 

Experience in project management and relationship management across academic and natural capital business partners – many different people in disparate organisations – from land managers to finance institutions. 

Experience with national and international policy, particularly focusing on natural capital, biodiversity markets and other forms of environmental governance, monitoring and evaluation. 

 Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)  

 As a valued member of our team you can expect:  

A competitive salary of UE07 £39,347 – £46,974 per annum, pro rata. This post will appointed at Grade 7 step 2 which is £40,521 per annum pro rata.

An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.  

To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community 

Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits  

 Championing equality, diversity and inclusion 

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.  

 Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab) 

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. 

 Key dates to note  

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.  
 

Interviews will be held ASAP after the closing date. 

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.