Okala is looking for a motivated early-career biodiversity scientist to join our team and help ensure the quality and accuracy of AI-generated species identifications. In this role, you will review species identifications generated from camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and other biodiversity monitoring data, primarily focusing on birds and mammals. You will assess AI outputs, identify and correct errors, and investigate difficult records to determine the most reliable identification possible. You will be part of Okala’s Science Team and will report to the Head of Science.
The role is particularly suited for someone who combines good taxonomic knowledge with curiosity, initiative and strong research skills. We are looking for someone who is passionate about solving identification problems and is willing to use field guides, scientific literature, online databases, sound libraries, image resources and other tools to investigate challenging records. Okala’s projects span a wide range of geographies, with many situated in poorly documented areas. As such, there is significant potential for discovering new species and documenting range expansions in this role.
This is a junior role, and we are more interested in your ability to learn, investigate and solve identification problems than in having extensive professional experience.
Key information
Location: Stirling, Scotland (hybrid option with 3 days minimum in the office)
Contract: 12-month fixed term with potential to extend or convert to permanent
Reports to: Head of Science
Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: £28,000–£34,000 per annum, depending on experience
Closing date: 18 September 2026
Right to work in the United Kingdom: Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK. Okala is unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Key responsibilities
- Verify AI-generated species identifications from visual and acoustic media.
- Identify and investigate uncertain or potentially incorrect AI outputs.
- Conduct taxonomic and ecological research to resolve difficult records.
- Develop protocols for analysing identification confidence and accuracy.
- Contribute to improving Okala’s AI-based biodiversity monitoring workflows and datasets.
- Help develop and refine species identification protocols and quality-control processes.
- Identify opportunities for, and contribute to, publications involving taxonomic discoveries, species range extensions or other findings arising from Okala’s biodiversity monitoring programmes.
What we are looking for
- Degree or equivalent experience in ecology, zoology, conservation biology or a related field.
- Excellent knowledge of bird and/or mammal (including bats) identification across a variety of geographies.
- Working knowledge of plant, amphibian and reptile species identification across a variety of geographies.
- Strong interest in learning identification techniques across a range of taxonomic groups.
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to data quality.
- Highly proactive and resourceful when faced with difficult identification problems.
- Comfortable working with digital data and learning new software and tools.
- Experience with camera-trap imagery, bioacoustics or AI-based species identification is an advantage, but not essential.
How to apply
Please send the following via the link below
- A CV, maximum two pages
- A short cover letter outlining fit for the role and relevant experience
We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submission.
Okala is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, and we particularly encourage applications from candidates based in the region.
Okala is a specialist biodiversity and environmental consultancy with offices in the UK, Gabon, Kenya and Ghana. We have delivered projects in more than 25 countries, working with mining, energy, linear infrastructure, forestry and agriculture clients, as well as governments, NGOs and development finance institutions.
We combine field ecology of a high scientific standard with modern monitoring technology to understand, conserve and restore biodiversity. Our work spans a wide range of ecosystems and taxonomic groups. We support clients to assess and mitigate development impacts, while also working on conservation, biodiversity monitoring and long-term management programmes for threatened species and habitats. Our projects range from site-level biodiversity assessments to large-scale conservation initiatives in some of the world’s most important and poorly studied ecosystems.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.