Principal Hydrologist

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

6d • $61,399 - $65,157 • Hybrid

About The Position

UKCEH is looking for an experienced Principal Hydrologist to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges. As a Principal 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 your experience to influence the future science of floods and droughts and develop your own portfolio of research into process hydrology and geomorphology. You’ll be joining our Water and Climate Science group. 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 long‑term observational networks developed over more than 50 years. Within this environment, you’ll be working alongside the core FDRI team made up of more than 30 talented and collaborative individuals who together provide a wide range of scientific, technical and project management expertise. 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.
The £38m Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) project is building a world-leading hydrological observatory in the UK. We are already advanced with scope, planning and 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 this initial design so that the FDRI catchments can be used to tackle the most pressing scientific questions on flood and drought processes in the UK. In 2027, when data starts to flow, your scientific knowledge will help us to make sure that the instrumentation is working correctly, and you will initiate pilot 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 with external 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.

Requirements

• A strong scientific background (degree level), hydrological research experience and an in-depth understanding and enthusiasm for field hydrology
• Experience of applying appropriate project management methods in the successful delivery of projects (or tasks of larger projects) in a research or scientific setting.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, used working with various media
• A wider understanding of applied hydrological science and opportunities for innovation in monitoring and analysis
• A desire to enthuse future generations of field hydrological scientists.

Nice To Haves

• A good understanding of hydrological data analysis and modelling would be valuable

Responsibilities

• Building a body of work that is a recognizable contribution to the advancement of flood and/or drought science to develop a track record of 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 assistants and other hydrologists
• Leading and managing a diverse portfolio of research projects
• Leading or contributing key elements of substantial proposals each year and in future years attracting funding to enable the advancement of flood and drought science
• Engaging, maintaining good working relationships and influencing stakeholders and stakeholder networks
• Possess a clear and strategic view of UKCEH science in relation to key national and international priorities
• Becoming known beyond UKCEH and collaborating externally, representing UKCEH values and science (e.g. on editorial boards or serving on external committees or panels)

Benefits

• 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...

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees