Graduate Research Assistant

We seek a Graduate Research Assistant on the project: Are transposons important facilitators of resistance evolution in the major agricultural pest fall armyworm? Awarded to Dr Alex Hayward and Professor Chris Bass, at the University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus. This full-time or part-time post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by BBSRC from 15th October 2026 for two years. The starting salary will be up to £33,951 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements. This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The successful applicant will contribute to the exciting BBSRC-funded research project: 'Are transposons important facilitators of resistance evolution in the major agricultural pest fall armyworm?'. This project investigates the role of transposons in contributing evolutionary novelty to their hosts, in the context of the evolution of insecticide resistance in the pest moth, the fall armyworm. This question has broad relevance to understanding how resistance evolves more generally in eukaryotic pests and parasites, and how the raw material that fuels adaptation is generated. Specifically, a major emerging research question is to what extent are transposons fundamental contributors to host evolution, and thus, the diversity and complexity of life on Earth?

The project is working in collaboration with Bayer AG, and consequently offers opportunities for experience collaborating with an applied industry partner. The position will include contributions towards an exciting massively parallel reporter assay, to investigate the roles that transposons play in the evolution of host gene regulatory complexity with reference to the fall armyworm. It will also include functional validation of bioinformatic results in the laboratory using reporter assays, to test the extent to which transposons influence host gene function. In addition, the position will involve core laboratory aspects in Dr Hayward's research group, such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and preparing samples for sequencing. It may also involve some supervision of small groups of undergraduate students.

The successful applicant will have experience in working in molecular biology in a research laboratory, and ideally have interests in transposons and/or evolutionary biology. Applicants will be able to conduct complex molecular biology laboratory protocols. Experience working with cell lines, such as Spodoptera frugiperda cells lines, and/or conducting functional validation assays, will be seen as a positive. The applicant must have a 'can-do' attitude and be prepared to problem-solve complex molecular biology protocols that may require time and patience to develop and optimise. Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. They will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Dr Alex Hayward at: alex.hayward@exeter.ac.uk

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England. We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports 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 Devon/Cornwall.

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. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.