Support Scientist - Tree & Stand Modelling
Forestry Commission - Forest Research
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 7th July 2024
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Length of employment
Business area
Type of role
Science
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
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
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
Benefits
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/.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
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
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk