Research Coordinator

About Action Oak

Action Oak is a public-private initiative dedicated to protecting the UK’s most iconic and culturally significant trees—our native oaks, sessile oak (Quercus petraea) & English oak (Quercus robur). These oak trees are a cornerstone of our landscape, heritage and biodiversity, but they face growing threats from pests, diseases, human activity and climate change.

As a national partnership of charities, governments, private landowners and research institutions, Action Oak works tirelessly to safeguard these vital trees for future generations. Through leading-edge research and continuous monitoring, we seek to understand the challenges our oaks face and develop innovative solutions to ensure their survival.

Our mission is clear: to protect and preserve the UK’s oak trees so that they continue to thrive as essential habitats and cultural symbols.

The Action Oak partnership is hosted by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS).

About the Royal Forestry Society

For nearly 150 years, the RFS has dedicated itself to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management so that the accumulated wisdom and experience of landowners, foresters, arborists and others is transferred from one generation to another. You can find out more about the RFS on our website www.rfs.org.uk.

The successful candidate will join the wider RFS team and enjoy the multiple benefits offered to RFS employees.

Transparency, honesty and equity are important for our small team. Everyone is supported and valued for the important role they play in our charity. We are striving for diversity in the Forestry Sector.

About the Role of Research Coordinator

The Research coordinator role covers four main areas; research and innovation; public engagement and collaboration; governance and reporting; administration, components of which are described under each below:

Key Responsibilities

Research and Innovation:

• Develop and publish a science strategy/research roadmap for Action Oak, which takes account of existing research, brings together diverse stakeholder views and resolves key evidence gaps. The science strategy should support Action Oak’s Vision for “a UK where our native oak trees are protected and flourish, both now and in the future.”
• Maintain a comprehensive oversight of all oak related research happening in the UK, and the latest technological developments which may help save our oaks. Use this oversight and understanding to raise awareness of priority evidence gaps with the Steering Committee, the research community and research funders, to create opportunities for new research bids and investment.
• Scope out new oak health related science projects which fill priority evidence gaps and could be the focus of fundraising campaigns or bids by Action Oak and/or one of its partners.
• Review and precis scientific articles and papers, translate scientific findings into easy-to-understand information and practical guidance for tree and woodland managers and other stakeholders. Look for opportunities to disseminate new knowledge to the oak stakeholder community through in person events, online newsletters and social media, including production of the annual Action Oak research newsletter.
• Conduct evidence reviews and syntheses into priority topics, to produce quality assured and balanced evidence statements and statistics on threats to oak and the health status of oak in the UK.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness and impact of Action Oak’s research activities.

Public Engagement and Collaboration:

• Building and maintaining a network of strategic relationships with the oak related research community, including research organisations, academic universities, research funders and tree health stakeholders/practitioners, in the UK and internationally.
• Be a science ambassador for Action Oak, able to deliver enthusiastic presentations on the latest scientific findings, explain what this means to the future of oak in the UK and be able to communicate effectively with principal scientists and research funders to influence their research plans and strategies.
• Work in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to develop research strategies, which consider and prioritise policy, operational and practitioner needs.

Governance and Reporting:

• Report to the Action Oak Steering Committee board and Defra on progress, challenges, and achievements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Administrative:

• Convening and organising scientific meetings, events and conferences for the Action Oak research community
• Coordinate the delivery of the annual partner event.
• Use your scientific skills and understanding more broadly to support the Action Oak initiative in delivering all its aims and objectives.
• Coordinating research and monitoring related content for social media posts, updating and maintaining information on the initiative’s website and preparing a quarterly e-newsletter, as well as an annual report, providing subscribers with latest developments of the initiative

Personal Specification

The successful applicant will have demonstrable experience in writing or reviewing research bids will be able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, have a good sense of awareness of research and funding landscapes. Show willingness to learn and enjoy the challenge of taking a proactive role in developing a high-profile initiative, helping to keep a variety of workstreams co-ordinated whilst ensuring forward planning is always a priority. Forestry experience is not essential.

Essential Criteria:

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in plant health, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent practical and work experience in plant health.
• Proven experience in engaging with stakeholders within a research/ academic institution or industry research team.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Strong administrative, organisational, and time management skills.
• IT literate (Google Workspace, MS Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams).
• Friendly and approachable

Desirable Criteria:

• Strong background in plant health research, diagnostics and biosecurity.
• Proven experience in writing or reviewing research bids.

Salary

£27,600 for 28 hours a week (£34,500 Full Time Equivalent), a pension contribution in accordance with the Pensions Regulations, plus reasonable expenses.

Line Management and Location

The Research Coordinator will report to the Action Oak Director.  The Research Coordinator will be employed by the RFS and will be required to comply with the working policies and procedures of the RFS. The general direction of the work of the initiative will be set by the Action Oak Steering Committee and Chair of Action Oak. The position will be based either with one of the members of the initiative (partners) or more likely work from home. If based with a partner organisation, day-to-day support will be provided by a member of that partner’s staff. Some travel with occasional nights away from home is a requirement.

Duration

The post will be for a period of 24 months, and will be subject to an annual performance appraisal. The post is advertised part-time at 28 hours a week.

Getting in Touch and How to Apply

If you would like to make an appointment for an informal chat about the role, please contact actionoak@rfs.org.uk

Send CV and covering letter to actionoak@rfs.org.uk

Deadline for applications midday Monday 5 January 2026

Interviews will be held online on Thursday 22 and Tuesday 26 January