This leadership role will identify priority needs and deliver evidence to UK and overseas governments, supporting decision-making on blue carbon habitat (primarily seabed / intertidal) inventories, impacts, management, protection, conservation, restoration and sustainability. The postholder will contribute their knowledge to national plans for climate action including National Determined Contributions (NDCs); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UK’s Green House Gas (GHG) inventory. The postholder will explore trade-offs between BC and nature / biodiversity functions in the marine environment including food provision. They will determine the extent to which protection and recovery initiatives may interact or conflict with sustainable use or management across multiple policy areas.
The postholder will provide pastoral care and leadership for a broad range of Cefas colleagues working on Blue Carbon topics. The postholder will exemplify a systems- approach in BC science through close engagement with biogeochemists, chemists, ecologist, modelers, economists and social scientists across a national and international network of collaborators. The postholder will lead on publications such as high-profile peer reviewed papers, advice and policy briefings, and other communications across the Blue Carbon work area.
Job Description
This is a unique opportunity to build our current knowledge and shape future research plans and strategy in a rapidly developing science and policy area. Working both with the overall Blue Carbon topic lead, and independently, you will apply your significant experience in emerging Blue Carbon habitats and draw on your wider networks to develop and deliver complex interdisciplinary research programs on ‘emerging’ ecosystems (subtidal sediment mainly but also intertidal and potentially macroalgae).
You will provide Blue Carbon policy advice to Defra across multiple policy areas (Climate, HPMA, Fisheries, Natural Capital, Net Zero) engaging with the Devolved Administrations and government agencies through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership and other BC fora, in relation to emerging area carbon inventories, impact and management. You will also contribute your knowledge of national plans for climate action (including NDCs); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UK’s Green House Gas (GHG) inventory where needed. Understanding of carbon accounting, credits and financing approaches, BC project accreditation criteria and associated evidence needs would be helpful.
Main duties will include:
- Leading the scientific development and delivery of projects, across diverse delivery teams, within the emerging habitats Blue Carbon topic for a range of customers such as Defra, NERC, EU, The Crown Estate and NGOs
- Contributing to delivery at a principal scientist level on large and complex seabed intertidal projects on Blue Carbon, and linking to Natural Capital, biodiversity, and MPA/HPMA work areas.
- Providing advice and responses to Ministerial and Parliamentary questions on the topic of Blue Carbon in emerging habitats (seabed, intertidal, macroalgae) and providing support across the BC topic as needed.
- Identifying the most appropriate management measures for emerging BC habitats, in the context of seeking innovative nature-based solutions to climate change, including considerations of the applicability of international carbon crediting mechanisms and methodologies.
- Shaping development of predictive tools and their applications to support observational evidence interpretation and understanding of human impact on Blue Carbon habitats and management.
- Leading on and support publications such as peer reviewed papers, policy briefings, and other communications across the Blue Carbon work area.
- Actively participating in UK and international forums, e.g. UK Blue Carbon Forum, UK BC Evidence Partnership, ICES working groups on fisheries and benthic impacts; carbon and trawling and special international conference or program sessions
- Maintaining and expanding a research and advice network, including collaborating with other government agencies (e.g. arms-length bodies) and scientific institutes in the UK and internationally to develop research proposals and provide influence for Cefas.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person Specification and Essential Criteria Section
The successful applicant will have an excellent understanding of Blue Carbon framing for emerging habitats, an established scientific profile and track-record in a related discipline, UK and international networks and relevant policy understanding, including the implementation of UNFCCC mechanisms for climate change mitigation.
In addition to the above, further essential criteria for this role are:
- Proven track-record in delivering clear Blue Carbon advice to a range of stakeholders (e.g. Government policy teams, NGOs and the wider scientific community) with an ability to quickly understand and assimilate new evidence, assess uncertainty and identify potential implications in liaison with external bodies and networks.
- Proven technical expertise (as evidenced by publication record, positions of influence) and established networks in Blue Carbon, climate sciences or carbon cycles, with a solid understanding of the Blue Carbon framing.
- Track record in developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver agreed goals.
- Capability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts and messages to a range of audiences including expert/non-expert, and to prepare clear and concise written material.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment, be flexible, proactive and self-motivated.
- Excellent technical lead project delivery skills (including team leadership), and the ability to deliver to tight timescales and identify risks and opportunities.
Salary range: £54,470 – £61,028
Application deadline: October 10, 2025
