At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research on host-pathogen interactions using advanced genomic techniques.
- Company: Join a vibrant interdisciplinary team at a leading university in beautiful Cornwall.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave policies, and support for career development.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and enjoy a supportive academic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in evolutionary genomics while pursuing your intellectual passions.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in evolutionary genomics or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 39906 £ per year.
This NERC Large Grant-funded full-time post is available from 1st October 2026 on a permanent contract subject to funding ending. The starting salary will be from £36,636 to £39,906 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 to £48,822 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow for a NERC Large Grant-funded project that will investigate how host genetic variation shapes—and is shaped by—host–pathogen interactions. The project uses a unique bovine tuberculosis (bTB)–European badger (Meles meles) study system, with extraordinary long‑term monitoring data, including longitudinal infection, life history, behavioural, physiological and fitness data, alongside medium‑coverage whole‑genome sequencing data for over 2,500 individuals spanning 50 years.
The successful candidate will lead bioinformatic and evolutionary and molecular quantitative genetics analyses to:
- Understand how genetic variation shapes bTB susceptibility, disease progression and onward transmission.
- Determine how inbreeding and gene flow modulate disease dynamics.
- Quantify how bTB has shaped the evolutionary trajectories of the badger population over the past 50 years.
- Test evolutionary hypotheses for the maintenance of genetic variation in disease susceptibility in the host population (e.g. resistance–reproduction trade‑offs, fluctuating selection).
The Research Associate will join a vibrant interdisciplinary team of five postdoctoral researchers, research faculty from the Universities of Exeter, Sheffield and Edinburgh, and project partners from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), DEFRA and the Office for Environmental Protection.
About You
The successful applicant will possess a PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience in evolutionary genomics, molecular quantitative genetics, molecular ecology 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 quantitative skills and bioinformatics skills within the context of –omics datasets, and a strong interest in eco‑evolutionary questions in general, and host‑pathogen interactions 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 undergraduate and postgraduate students, identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. They are a team player capable of working independently and have excellent organisational and time management ability.
The successful applicant for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow position will possess a PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in evolutionary genomics, molecular quantitative genetics, molecular ecology, or a related field, with a broad knowledge in the discipline. They will possess sufficient specialist knowledge to develop research programmes and methodologies. They will have excellent quantitative skills and bioinformatics skills within the context of –omics datasets, and a strong interest in eco‑evolutionary questions in general, and host‑pathogen interactions 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, identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. They are a team player capable of working independently, have excellent organisational and time management ability, and act as team leader as required.
What we can offer you
Freedom and the support to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research. Support teams that understand the University‑wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly. An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development. Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high‑performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career. A multitude of staff benefits including sector‑leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy. A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall.
For further information, please contact Dr Barbara Tschirren at b.tschirren@exeter.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Evolutionary Genomics in Exeter employer: Eurobioimaging
Join a leading research institution in the heart of stunning Cornwall, where you will have the freedom and support to pursue your intellectual interests in evolutionary genomics. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration across disciplines, offering exceptional benefits such as generous parental leave policies and opportunities for career development through our Exeter Academic initiative. As part of a dedicated team, you will contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a beautiful campus environment that inspires creativity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Evolutionary Genomics in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the evolutionary genomics field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with researchers on social media. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research, analyses, and any publications. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in bioinformatics and quantitative genetics.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your research objectives and how they align with the potential employer's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for positions that match your skills and interests. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting research projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Evolutionary Genomics in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in evolutionary genomics and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our research objectives!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your quantitative and bioinformatics skills! Include specific examples of how you've used these in past research. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you can bring to the table.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eurobioimaging
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your evolutionary genomics and molecular quantitative genetics knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used in past research, especially those related to host-pathogen interactions. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your bioinformatics skills, particularly with –omics datasets. Bring examples of your previous work or analyses that highlight your quantitative abilities. If you can, relate these to the unique bTB–European badger study system mentioned in the job description.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves working within an interdisciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to team projects, supervised students, or led research initiatives. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the long-term goals of the research or how they envision the successful candidate contributing to the project. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
