Research Ecologist / Senior Research Ecologist

These positions are supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Senior Research Ecologist- £36,789 per annum
Research Ecologist- £33,294 per annum
Northern Ireland
Full time (37 hours per week) 
36 month contract (starting January 2026)
11% employer pension contribution

The British Trust for Ornithology is looking for two people who are passionate about birds to join our team in Northern Ireland on a 36 month contract to contribute to our work to make a positive impact for birds. You will work closely with the Wetland and Marine Research Team and will be line-managed by the Senior Research Ecologist for BTO NI.

BTO is a project partner in the ACCLIMATISE project, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). ACCLIMATISE is led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). Within this project, BTO is the lead on Work Package 2 ‘Transboundary Conservation Strategies and Sustainable Management of Marine Predators’. BTO are co-leading on the ornithological work within the project and this specifically includes seabird tracking and diet analysis, at sea surveys, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), and developing a transboundary seabird conservation strategy and action plans for priority threatened seabird species.

For the Senior Research Ecologist, the successful applicant should have a PhD or equivalent experience in ecology or other related area. A proven ability in handling birds and the use of special methods, together with experience of designing field-based projects and leading field teams is required. They should be well-organised, with good statistical knowledge and experience in the application of statistical techniques. The post will require a good understanding of the ecology of seabirds, an adaptability to work on a range of projects and the ability to communicate results to a range of audiences.

For the Research Ecologist, the successful applicant should have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in ecology or other related area. A proven ability in handling birds and preferably the use of special methods, together with experience of field-based projects is required. They should be well-organised, with good statistical knowledge and experience in the application of statistical techniques, with the ability to learn and implement new programming languages and computer packages and methods of analysis. The post will require a good understanding of the ecology of seabirds, an adaptability to work on a range of projects and the ability to communicate results to a range of audiences.

These positions are based in Northern Ireland and you will work from the BTO NI office in Lisburn. A driving licence valid in the UK is essential for both these roles. Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £36,789 per annum (Senior Research Ecologist) or £33,294 per annum (Research Ecologist)
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time or short-term posts).
• Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• Free access to BTO training courses
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
• Free car parking
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2 November 2025 and interviews will be held remotely on 12-14 November 2025. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)