At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate evolutionary mechanisms and their effects on natural populations and diseases.
- Company: Join the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology & Conservation in beautiful Cornwall.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible start date, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support for applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in evolutionary ecology and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in evolutionary ecology or quantitative genetics required.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 43482 € per year.
This NERC‑funded full‑time post is available for 42 months (3.5 years), from 1st October 2026 to 30 September 2030 (some flexibility to start date), and will be based at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology & Conservation on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
The starting salary will be from £36,636 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.
The successful candidate will combine concepts and analytical approaches from evolutionary ecology and quantitative genetics to investigate:
- The evolutionary mechanisms that maintain senescence in natural populations
- The inter‑generational effects of senescence (parental age effects) and their evolution
- The effects of senescence on bovine tuberculosis susceptibility, progression and transmission, and the mechanisms that underpin these effects
About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate
The successful applicant will possess a PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience in evolutionary ecology, quantitative genetics or a related field. They will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. They will have excellent relevant quantitative skills and a strong interest in eco‑evolutionary questions in general, and life‑history evolution and senescence in particular. They are expected to develop research objectives, perform data analysis, write up results for publication, give presentations at conferences and other events, assist with supervising the work of others, and contribute to the process of securing additional funding. They are a team player capable of working independently and have excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The successful applicant will possess a PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in evolutionary ecology, quantitative genetics or a related field, and have a broad knowledge of the discipline. They will possess sufficient specialist knowledge to develop research programmes and methodologies. They will have excellent relevant quantitative skills and a strong interest in eco‑evolutionary questions in general, and life‑history evolution and senescence in particular. They are expected to develop research objectives, perform data analysis, write up results for publication, give presentations at conferences and other events, supervise the work of others, and contribute to the process of securing additional funding. They are a team player capable of working independently, have excellent organisational and time‑management skills, and can act as team leader as required.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information Prof Andy Young, email a.j.young@exeter.ac.uk If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us.
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn employer: Economicsnetwork
The University of Exeter offers an exceptional work environment for Postdoctoral Research Associates and Fellows, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation at the Centre for Ecology & Conservation in beautiful Cornwall. With competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to research excellence, employees are encouraged to pursue their academic interests while contributing to impactful ecological studies. The supportive atmosphere and access to cutting-edge resources make this an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in evolutionary ecology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the evolutionary ecology field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with researchers on social media. You never know who might have a lead on a postdoc position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your research and being ready to discuss your findings. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with the role. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for eco-evolutionary questions! When you get the chance to present your work, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for the subject matter. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨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’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. This will help us understand what the role entails and what skills we should highlight in our application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience and skills align with the specific requirements of the Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow role. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves developing research objectives and performing data analysis, be sure to highlight your relevant quantitative skills and any previous research experience. We love seeing concrete examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the specific areas of evolutionary ecology and quantitative genetics. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, methodologies, and how they relate to the role. This shows your passion and expertise!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your quantitative skills and research methods. Brush up on relevant techniques and be ready to explain how you would apply them to the projects mentioned in the job description. Confidence in your technical knowledge can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in research, be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams. Highlight any leadership roles or mentoring experiences you’ve had, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the research environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research programmes and future directions of the Centre for Ecology & Conservation. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a two-way street!
