Forestry Commission
Centre for Forest Protection Internship - Complex Yew Decline
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The role will be based in Alice Holt, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH however a significant amount of the work will take place on site at The University of Birmingham, B15 2TT.
We offer blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Summary
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, across Great Britain. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.
The Centre for Forest Protection (CFP) is a Defra-funded research collaboration between Forest Research and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Centre focuses on protecting the future of trees and woodlands through innovative, collaborative, interdisciplinary and future-focused research. The Centre has an established internship programme providing hands-on experience, allowing you to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting while developing practical skills, confidence, and professional networks. You will be able to explore career paths and gain insight into workplace expectations, whilst working alongside world class scientists and researchers at state-of-the-art facilities. This opportunity is aligned to metabolomic analysis of samples collected from yews exhibiting different stages of Complex Yew Decline.
Job Description
Key Work Areas
A gradual but significant decline of ancient yew (Taxus baccata) trees has been observed in the south of England in recent decades. No disease-causing organisms have been definitively linked to the decline syndrome. This exciting project aims to collect data that will improve understanding of the relationship between the condition of the yew trees, their soil, and the microbiome. A substantial part of this internship will be carried out at the University of Birmingham.
You will make a meaningful contribution by being involved in the following tasks:
- Supporting the researcher in carrying out assessments of, and sample collection from yew tree populations at different sites across the UK that display a range of decline severity.
- Processing of samples at the University of Birmingham to determine the metabolomic status of yew trees exhibiting Complex Yew Decline.
- The possibility of analysing hyperspectral imagery of particular sites and comparing to their condition scores.
- The possibility to work with Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service at Alice Holt on plant pathogen diagnostics.
Examples of training/experience that you may expect to receive during the internship:
- Field work – surveying, condition assessment and sample collection.
- Preparation and processing of samples for microbiome and metabolome analysis.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team to understand an ecologically important condition.
- Complementary activities and visits.
- Soft skills and opportunities to share your work.
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The intern will be jointly supervised by researchers at Alice Holt and external collaborators at the University of Birmingham, where most of the laboratory work will be undertaken. The role may also involve field and laboratory activities at other sites, requiring occasional travel and overnight stays.
Person specification
- Have good attention to detail.
- Possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills.
- Possess the ability to listen, learn and adapt.
- Be a self-starter able to manage their own time effectively.
Essential Criteria
- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
- Some molecular lab experience.
- A demonstrable interest in the condition of Britain’s trees and their future in a changing climate.
- Proven ability to carry out fieldwork using standardised processes.
- Ability to work flexibly, staying away and altering working day pattern where necessary.
Desirable Criteria
- The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
- Experience of interpreting hyperspectral data.
- Tree identification skills and ability to differentiate yew roots from other woodland species.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Alongside your salary of £26,959, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £7,810 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
Your career
- Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all, access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings.
Your work/life balance
- Flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave.
- Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities.
Your wellbeing
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
- We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays.
- Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time.
Your benefits
- A highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary.
- An employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops.
- Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans.
- Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports.
- With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
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Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Please note: Applicants are only eligible to participate in one Centre for Forest Protection internship; prior participants will not be considered.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK. You will be asked to:
- Complete a CV setting out your experience, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role.
- Submit a Personal Statement – (limited to 750 words) explaining how your skills, qualities and experience make you a strong candidate for this role and how you expect this internship to enhance your development as a forest protection scientist/researcher or professional.
We will use this information to assess your application against the essential criteria in the person specification.
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift is planned to take place in 20th - 24th July
Interviews are planned to take place via MS Teams 17th & 18th August 2026
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift will progress to a full sift. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on the following 3 Behaviours at the interview stage, Communicating & Influencing, Delivering at Pace and Working Together.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
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