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- Tasks: Lead research on bat guano's impact on agriculture and soil health in Mexico.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton's vibrant School of Biological Sciences.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability and agriculture while exploring diverse ecosystems.
- Qualifications: PhD in environmental microbiology or related field; fieldwork and microbiology experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic coastal city location with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. The School hosts a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community addressing global challenges at the interface of biodiversity, agriculture, and society. You will work on a Leverhulme Trust–funded project investigating the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano in Mexico. The project integrates bat ecology, cave ecosystems, microbiology, plant biology, and social science to understand how this under-recognised natural resource supports agriculture and rural livelihoods, and how it can be managed sustainably.
The post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust as part of the project “Quantifying the socio-economic consequences of losing bat guano services”, awarded to Dr. Veronica Zamora-Gutierrez, Dr. William L. King, and Dr. Kelvin Peh, with lead supervision by Dr. King. The position is fixed for 36 months (3 years).
The postholder will lead research on assessing the impacts of bat guano on crop growth and physiology, soil health, and plant and soil microbiology. This will include performing fertilisation experiments, measuring plant traits, including above-ground and below-ground, and the collection and analysis of plant and soil microbiomes. The role involves extended fieldwork in Mexico and close collaboration with UK- and Mexico-based partners, conservation organisations, and government agencies. You will contribute to high-quality academic publications, policy-relevant outputs, and stakeholder engagement activities.
You will hold a completed PhD in environmental microbiology, microbiome science, environmental science, or a related discipline. You will have demonstrable experience in field-based research, microbiology (field and laboratory), bioinformatics (e.g. metagenomics and high-performance computing), and handling plants and soil, particularly roots (i.e. rhizosphere collection and root traits). You will have a strong interest in environmental microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and agriculture. You will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and engaging with non-academic stakeholders.
You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports. Spanish language skills are not essential but would be helpful. You should be willing and able to undertake extended international fieldwork and work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
You will be based at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, in a dynamic and well-connected coastal city.
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
If you wish to discuss the role in more detail, please email Dr. William L King.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.
Research Fellow in Plant and Soil Microbiology in Southampton employer: Cyber Security Academy Southampton
Contact Detail:
Cyber Security Academy Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Plant and Soil Microbiology in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of environmental microbiology and plant sciences. Attend conferences or webinars where you can meet potential collaborators or employers. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and the team. Familiarise yourself with their work on bat guano and its impact on agriculture. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your fieldwork experience! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve collected and analysed data in real-world settings. Highlighting your hands-on skills will demonstrate that you’re not just book-smart but also practical and adaptable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Plant and Soil Microbiology in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in environmental microbiology and field-based research. We want to see how your skills align with the project on bat guano and its impact on agriculture.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be contributing to publications and engaging with stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your written communication prowess. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of your previous writing experiences.
Highlight Interdisciplinary Experience: This role involves collaboration across various fields, so don’t forget to mention any interdisciplinary projects you've worked on. We love seeing how you can bridge gaps between different areas of expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyber Security Academy Southampton
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Leverhulme Trust project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano, as well as how it relates to plant and soil microbiology. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your field-based research experience in detail. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving microbiology, bioinformatics, or plant-soil interactions. Be ready to share specific examples of your contributions and findings.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others, particularly in diverse cultural settings, and how you can contribute to a team environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Consider preparing a brief summary of your research interests and how they align with the project, as well as any publications you’ve contributed to.