Principal Research Officer, Ecosystem Health & Social Dimensions

About The Role

WWT has successfully partnered with Richmond Borough and Slough Councils to deliver an innovative, nature-based flood alleviation scheme that is already underway, aiming to future-proof neighbourhoods against the impacts of climate change. A landscape scale network of wetland interventions will help build flood resilient communities in two river catchments and unlock their multiple benefits for people. Key interventions are being developed through an inclusive process of co-production with the diverse communities living in these catchments.

WWT’s Conservation Evidence Department is seeking a scientist to deliver social research that examines the effectiveness of these nature-based solutions in building flood resilience and generating social and health and wellbeing benefits for local communities.

This is a Fixed Term Contract until 30th March 2027 working full time, 37.5 hours per week Monday - Friday. The role supports hybrid working, with travel to both Slough and Richmond as required to carry out the research.

About You

The role will involve working closely with WWT colleagues across the Conservation Directorate, as well as project partners and local communities. Strong communication (written and oral) and coordination skills are essential.

The successful candidate will have

• strong social research skills, both in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• an understanding of sound scientific methods as well as excellent paper-writing and data management skills
• will have worked with a diverse range of communities and be aware of cultural sensitivities and what is needed to achieve high ethical standards when working with people
• will be an excellent team worker, hold a PhD in a social science, geography or environmental psychology subject, and be familiar with leading, designing and delivering scientific research projects.

The role will sit within the Conservation Evidence department which is a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of passionate scientists. Above all, we have impact: our research diagnoses problems and identifies solutions, and in doing so we shape policy and action for global wetland conservation. We work in collaboration with government, NGOs and academic partners, and a number of PhD students, across the UK and overseas.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.