Principal Hydrologist

UKCEH is looking for an experiencedPrincipal Hydrologistto join our team of talented individuals contributing to scientificdiscoveryand generating the datainsightsand solutions that researchers businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

As aPrincipal Hydrologist we need your help to shape the future of field hydrology research in the UK and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to use yourexperienceto influence the future science of floods anddroughts anddevelop your own portfolio of research into process hydrology and geomorphology.

Youllbe joining ourWater and Climate Sciencegroup. UKCEH hosts the largest community of hydrological research scientists in the UK and is the national focal point for hydrological data and analysis. We continue to build on an internationally recognised portfolio of experimental catchments and longterm observational networks developed over more than 50 years.

Within this environmentyoullbe working alongside thecoreFDRIteammade up ofmore than30 talented and collaborative individualswhotogetherprovidea wide range ofscientific technical and project managementexpertise.

You will have a research background in field hydrology or geomorphology and a deep interest in understanding the science of floods and droughts. A good understanding of hydrological data analysis and modelling would be valuable and you will be experienced in explaining complex ideas to non-specialist audiences. We welcome applications from people working either in research or as hydrological practitioners.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Building a body of work that is a recognizable contribution to the advancement of flood and/or drought science to developa track recordof high impact work
• Leading science and motivating staff across the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure project and building strong links to a wide range of projects within and beyond UKCEH
• Supporting the development of technical assistantsandother hydrologists
• Leading and managing a diverse portfolio of research projects
• Leading or contributing key elements of substantial proposals each year andin future yearsattracting funding to enable the advancement of flood and drought science
• Engagingmaintaininggood workingrelationshipsand influencing stakeholders and stakeholder networks
• Possess a clear and strategic view of UKCEH science in relation to key national and international priorities
• Becomingknown beyond UKCEH and collaborating externallyrepresentingUKCEH values and science (e.g. on editorial boards or serving on external committees or panels)

The38m Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) project is building a world-leading hydrological observatory in the UK. We are already advanced with scopeplanningand implementation. You will join our implementation team to take a scientific lead in making sure the new FDRI Observatory provides the data and insights that will transform flood and drought research for the 21st century. You will work closely with our external Catchment Champion teams and the wider hydrological community.

New instruments are being installed in 3 catchments (the Chess the Upper Severn and the Tweed). The next stage (and the focus of your role in 2026) is to add to thisinitialdesign so that the FDRI catchments can be used to tackle the most pressing scientific questions on flood and drought processes in the 2027 when data starts to flow your scientific knowledge will help us to make sure that the instrumentation is working correctly and you willinitiatepilot studies to help us show the value of the new instrumentation in addressing important hydrological questions. As we approach the operational phase (from 2028 onwards) you will develop a portfolio of research (probably withexternal partners) that uses some aspects of the FDRI infrastructure. You will also be encouraged to develop your own portfolio of field hydrology projects that tackle the questions of flood or drought processes in other locations or from other perspectives. You will publish papers on your work and act as an ambassador for FDRI with the science and practitioner community and beyond.

For the role of Principal Hydrologistwerelooking for somebody who has:

• Astrong scientific background (degree level) hydrological research experienceand an in-depth understanding and enthusiasm for field hydrology
• Experience of applyingappropriate projectmanagement methods in the successful delivery of projects (or tasks of larger projects)in a research or scientificsetting.
• Excellent communication and writing skills used working with various media
• A wider understanding ofapplied hydrological science and opportunities forinnovation in monitoring and analysis
• A desire to enthusefuturegenerationsof field hydrological scientists.

Youllbe joining a leading independent not-for-profit research institutethatscommitted to recruiting talented people like you progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference enabling people and the environment to prosper and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependent)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance gym/fitness discounts retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour 365-day support with physical mental social health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals the team would love to receive your application. Please apply bysubmittingyour CV along with asupporting statement (300 500 words) covering the following:

What handson field experience do you have in hydrology and what key knowledge or skills have you gained from this work

Can you describe your experience working on complex projects involving multiple organisations and what you learned from collaborating across different teams or stakeholders

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds identities abilities and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people withdisabilities andwerehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. Ifyoureexcited about this role but your experiencedoesntalign perfectly with every requirementwedlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:We welcome applications from international candidates this role is open for sponsorshipandmay also qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally if you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.