Ecological Policy Fellowship Available at NatureScot

This British Ecological Society fellowship supports a postdoctoral ecologist to spend between three and nine months working at NatureScot on a practical policy challenge.

The British Ecological Society (BES) is a membership society dedicated to advancing the science of ecology. BES is committed to making the best scientific evidence available to decision-makers and supports its members to develop their policy engagement skills and impact.

This year’s BES Policy Fellowship offers a postdoctoral ecologist the opportunity to spend time working within the Scottish executive agency NatureScot (formerly known as Scottish Natural Heritage), applying their scientific expertise to a practical policy challenge. The placement may last from three months (full-time) to nine months (part-time).

Through this initiative, the fellow gains first-hand experience of working within government, improving their policy knowledge and awareness, developing their science communication skills, and building their professional networks.

Applications are invited from BES members with at least two years’ postdoctoral research experience who have UK Citizenship or an existing visa to work in the UK for the duration of the fellowship.

A maximum of £20,000 is available to cover salary costs, travel and subsistence (including accommodation). Facilities including office space will be provided by NatureScot.

BES intends the fellow to be based at NatureScot offices in Edinburgh, with travel to attend meetings and events in Scotland. However, homeworking may be required due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Applications for the 2021 BES Policy Fellowship must be submitted by 17 September 2021.

Initial shortlisting will be conducted by a review panel; shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. The fellowship is expected to commence in or around November 2021.