Ecological Data Analyst

Ecological Data Analyst – Introduction

If you have a strong ecological data and statistics background with experience of exploring and analysing ecological community datasets this is a great opportunity to develop your career with an expanding science-based SME with a bright future.

As a world leader in delivering nature data and intelligence, NatureMetrics brings the power of genetics to frontline environmental management. Our products allow our customers to make better decisions for business and nature. We have grown rapidly over the last five years and validated our technology in multiple industry sectors and regions of the world. We now have an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors. We aim to be the premier provider of nature data to companies globally by 2025 and you can now join the team.

We are looking for a highly motivated Ecological Data Analyst to analyse ecological community datasets generated through in-house metabarcoding analyses. You will have the support of our custom software to generate metrics and conduct community analyses, developed by our data and insights teams. You will use these tools to generate insight to support the development of robust case studies, support delivery of grant projects and provide feedback for the development of new products.

Ecological Data Analyst – The Role

• Carry out statistical analysis & exploration of ecological community datasets generated by metabarcoding for case studies, grants and scientific product validation.
• Work on data from all environments, sample types & taxonomic groups with a focus on soil datasets.
• Collaborate with internal team members & external partners to deliver against requirement of grant projects.
• Report the results of internal experiments.
• Give technical advice to clients.
• Contribute to the data analysis component of large projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues & translate insights into metrics that can be integrated into our customer-facing dashboards & marketing resources.

Ecological Data Analyst – About You

• PhD or equivalent experience in an ecological field
• Strong ecological statistics background with experience of exploring & analysing large ecological community datasets.
• Proficiency at coding in R for manipulation, exploration & analysis of ecological data.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams & in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation & interpersonal skills.
• Used to working effectively in a matrixed environment.

Ecological Data Analyst – What Is In It For You

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
• Company pension
• Flexible 40-hour week (core hours 10am to 4pm)including 1 hour paid lunch
• Cycle to Work Scheme,
• Enhanced family friendly policy
• Dedicated well-being room
• Health insurance.
• Life Assurance

Ecological Data Analyst – How to Apply

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose.

JOB DESCRIPTION  

CONTEXT OF ROLE  

Applications are invited for people with a scientific background to join our growing team as an Ecological Data Analyst.  

NatureMetrics is a scale-up nature technology company working at the cutting edge of molecular biodiversity monitoring, enabling large-scale assessment of nature to inform environmental management around the world. Working with a range of sample types (e.g. water, soil, tissue), we provide end-to-end services that include field sampling kits, lab analysis, data analysis and interpretation.     

MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB  

The Ecological Data Analyst will analyse ecological community datasets generated through in-house metabarcoding analyses to support the development, launch and evaluation of new products, delivery of grant projects (notably in the area of agricultural soil biodiversity), and the creation of case studies. Insights derived from soil datasets will be a particular focus, but you will work on data from all environments, sample types and taxonomic groups.  On occasion you may also be required to provide technical advice to clients, for instance to support in data analysis, interpretation and design of sampling strategies. The successful candidate will be proficient in analysis of ecological community datasets, ideally with some experience also in functional ecology of bacteria, fungi and/or invertebrates as indicators of ecosystem condition and function.  

The Ecological Data Analyst will not be expected to undertake laboratory work, and relevant orientation on molecular methods will be provided as needed. You will be part of the Products team, reporting to the Technical Product Director. You will have access to our in-house software for analysing eDNA community data developed by our digital team.     

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES  

• In-depth statistical analysis and exploration of ecological community datasets generated by metabarcoding (and associated metadata), working closely with external collaborators and internal team members to deliver against requirement of grant projects, inform the development of our metrics, generate case studies, and report the results of internal experiments. 
• Contribute to the data analysis component of large projects, including community analysis and comparisons between conventional and DNA-based data where relevant.  

• As required, provide direct support with data analysis and interpretation for clients working on complex projects. 
• Work with the Digital Products team to translate insights into metrics that can be integrated into our customer-facing dashboards, and with the Marketing team to provide resources for the customer-facing colleagues 

PERSON SPECIFICATION  

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE  

• PhD or equivalent experience in an ecological field 

• Strong ecological statistics background with experience of exploring and analysing large ecological community datasets to generate insights on alpha and beta diversity and to extract insights on ecosystem health and function. 
• Proficiency at coding in R for manipulation, exploration and analysis of ecological data. 
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and in a fast-paced environment. 

It would also be an advantage to have: 

• A passion for nature and having a positive impact on the planet. 
• Familiarity with NGS sequencing and bioinformatics 
• Familiarity with SQL and Postgres 
• Expertise in functional ecology, soil biodiversity and/ or ecological health metrics used in the UK and overseas. 
• Science communication, marketing and/or outreach experience. 

• Awareness of how ecological data is relevant for management, regulatory compliance and biodiversity reporting across different sectors (e.g. conservation, environmental impact assessment, nature-based solutions, statutory reporting, agriculture etc) 

   
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES  

• Excellent communication skills. Ability to explain the outputs of complex analyses to non-experts, including drawing out the ‘so-what’ from results of analyses and making recommendations based on business needs. 
• Ability to tell stories with data, including good data visualisation skills. 
• It is essential that you are a team player. We are a collaborative team that works following the Agile methodology in most areas. 
• Strong interpersonal skills are vital as well as the ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively across teams to ensure a coherent approach across the company to cross team deliverables. 

• Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to work in an output-oriented way when required - defining and delivering to specific deliverables / outputs as defined by grants, clients or the leadership team. 
• You will be adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. 
• Work with our Marketing team to produce relevant product marketing materials. 
• Maintain regular communications with the NatureMetrics team when overseas, complying with our policies and procedures at all times and upholding our standards. 

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. 

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose.   

NATUREMETRICS VALUES  

NatureMetrics Values are Transparency, Excellence, Advancement, Collaboration and Honesty. These values should be embedded in your work and behaviour, and any associated policies and processes adopted consistently.      

This document sets out key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and duties. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to reasonably vary the responsibilities from time to time depending on the needs of the organisation without changing the level of the role.