Science Lead - Social Science/Economics

Fera Science
York
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Contract Lead Test & Verification Engineer

Lead Machine learning Engineer

Lead Test & Verification Engineer

DSP Firmware Engineer

Project Manager - Complex Engineering Projects

Project Engineer

Join us as a Science Lead and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

As a science lead your established expertise in the social sciences will work with a vibrant interdisciplinary land use group (working with other social scientists and economists as well as ecologists, remote sensing/GIS experts, stats and modelling etc) of engaged researchers tackling some of the most urgent and exciting interlinked global environmental challenges. Sitting within our Land Use and team you will contribute to the delivery of natural capital projects for key public and private sector stakeholders and increasingly with a wide range of private sector clients with their increasing stake in natural capital. 

What you’ll be doing:

  • Leading research projects for public and private sector clients with responsibility for the management and delivery.
  • Working with senior Fera colleagues to continue to develop our strategic approach.
  • Taking a lead on relevant bidding opportunities.
  • Contributing to the development of methods and proposals in response to customer needs.
  • Applying a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including data analysis, document analysis, surveys, focus groups and interviews.
  • Engaging with senior stakeholders to develop strong business relationships.
  • The analysis and evaluation of research and interpretation of data, including working with inter-disciplinary teams to agree interpretations and derivations of key metrics.
  • Engaging with external developments as they relate to the natural capital policy area to inform Fera activities.
  • Developing and mentoring team members.
  • Create clear and engaging presentations and reports tailored to different stakeholders and customers.
  • Contribute to publishing research findings.

What we’re looking for:

  • A MSc or higher in one or more of the social science disciplines.
  • At least 5 years experience of delivering social science/natural capital research projects in public and private settings. This could relate to developing policies or how private sector businesses need to respond to emerging environmental markets.
  • Ability to demonstrate experience of delivering projects to time and budget.
  • Experience of bidding and managing projects.
  • Extensive experience in contributing to the design, development and implementation of appropriate quantitative/qualitative methodologies and mixed methods research.
  • A clear and concise approach to conducting analysis.
  • The ability to summarize research findings and effectively communicate these in a clear and compelling manner to stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills are key as well as the ability to synthesize results and write effective project reports and manuscripts.

What’s in it for you?

  • ​23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
  • Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking
  • The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
  • Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more.
  • Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology
  • Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
  • Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.

What we hope you’ll do next:

Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before applying, you can contact

We’re an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at and we’ll get back to you.


Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Job-Hunting During Economic Uncertainty: Space Sector Edition

The UK space sector has rapidly evolved, propelled by commercial satellite services, exploration missions, and government-backed initiatives to expand the country’s share of the global space economy. From satellite manufacturing and launch services to data analytics and novel propulsion systems, UK space companies offer diverse opportunities for engineers, scientists, project managers, and beyond. However, even this growth-oriented domain can face headwinds when broader economic uncertainty arises—be it from recessions, shifting investment priorities, or global disruptions. If you’re seeking a space career amidst such challenges, you may encounter slower recruitment processes, keener competition for each advertised role, or narrower project scopes constrained by tighter budgets. Yet, space remains integral to navigation, communications, climate monitoring, and scientific endeavours, meaning skilled professionals can still find opportunities. The key is tailoring your approach, highlighting your adaptability, and showing potential employers how your expertise yields clear returns, especially when resources are limited. This guide will discuss: How economic volatility affects UK space sector hiring. Practical strategies to excel in a more competitive space job market. Ways to strengthen your CV, project track record, and networking efforts. Approaches to stay resilient despite extended hiring timelines. How www.ukspacejobs.co.uk can facilitate your search for relevant space industry openings. By showcasing your problem-solving skills, readiness to adapt, and track record in delivering tangible outcomes—even in cost-conscious contexts—you can secure a fulfilling space job, no matter the current economic climate.

Work-Life Balance in the UK Space Industry: Is It Really Possible?

The space sector in the UK has soared in recent years, propelled by advancements in satellite technology, commercial space travel ambitions, and a growing network of research institutions. From satellite communications and Earth observation to space exploration missions, opportunities in the UK’s space industry are broad and exciting. Engineers, data analysts, project managers, and payload specialists are all integral to this booming domain—yet the question lingers: Is it possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance when the stakes are literally astronomical? High-pressure deadlines, massive financial investments, and the complex logistics behind any space venture can leave professionals feeling that they must be “on” 24/7. This environment can be especially taxing if you’re working on mission-critical systems or pioneering new technologies. While the glamour of contributing to humanity’s cosmic ambitions is undeniable, the toll on mental health, personal relationships, and overall well-being can be significant if not managed properly. In this article, we’ll examine the unique demands of the UK space industry and outline strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle—both as an individual professional and through supportive workplace policies. You’ll discover: Why space jobs can be uniquely demanding. Tips for setting realistic expectations in a rapidly evolving sector. Ways to protect your mental health and prevent burnout. Practical methods for boundary-setting, time management, and personal well-being. The crucial role of employers and industry leaders in fostering a healthy work culture. Whether you’re a space engineer tackling satellite design or a researcher exploring propulsion breakthroughs, achieving work-life harmony is not just a pipe dream—it’s a necessity for long-term success in this thrilling, transformative industry.

Navigating the Leap from Academia to the UK Space Industry: How Researchers Can Propel Their Careers in Commercial Space Ventures

Over the past decade, the UK’s space industry has witnessed remarkable growth. Once considered a niche field reserved for large governmental agencies, the space sector now spans high-profile private enterprises, dynamic start-ups, and thriving research collaborations. These developments offer exciting career opportunities for PhD holders and academic researchers looking to translate their expertise into cutting-edge satellite technologies, launch services, orbital science, and more. If you’re an academic professional contemplating a move into commercial space, you’re poised to make a significant impact on technology, research, and international space exploration efforts. This article delves into how to transition from academia to the space industry in the UK. We’ll break down the various sub-sectors of space, highlight the differences between academic and commercial research, and offer strategies for tailoring your skill set to industry-specific requirements. By drawing on these insights—and showcasing the skills you’ve already honed through years in academia—you can confidently embark on a fulfilling career that helps shape the UK’s place in the global space arena.