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- Tasks: Design and conduct experiments to explore how organisms adapt to environmental changes.
- Company: Join Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for research publication and conference presentations.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovative research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on understanding adaptation in a changing world.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in ecology or evolutionary biology required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to design and deliver experimental and empirical research to test how developmental processes influence adaptation to environmental change. The role will focus on generating high-quality data to inform and validate modelling work within a NERC‑funded interdisciplinary project. The NERC‑funded project develops a new development‑centric framework for understanding adaptation under environmental change. Current models often treat phenotypes as fixed traits, overlooking the developmental processes through which organisms construct their phenotypes, creating a key “phenotypic gap” in demographic theory. The project integrates modelling, experiments and empirical data to understand how developmental trajectories (e.g. growth, maturation and resource allocation) shape survival, reproduction and adaptive potential. By treating organisms as active systems that regulate their own development and modify their environments, the work aims to improve predictions of population resilience and evolutionary responses to environmental change. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term role available until 30 April 2029.
Key Accountabilities:
- Design and conduct laboratory and/or field experiments to quantify developmental responses to environmental change in bulb mites (Rhizoglyphus robini).
- Generate and analyse empirical datasets on life‑history, trait development and population processes.
- Work closely with a modelling postdoctoral researcher to align data collection with model requirements.
- Develop experimental protocols and ensure high standards of data quality and reproducibility.
- Analyse data using appropriate statistical approaches.
- Contribute to integration of empirical findings into the wider project framework.
- Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
- Support engagement activities, including communication of findings to non‑academic audiences.
- Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
The Person:
- PhD (or near completion) in ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience in experimental or empirical ecological research.
- Experience collecting and analysing biological data.
- Strong quantitative skills (e.g. statistics in R).
- Ability to design and deliver independent research.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable:
- Experience with life‑history, developmental biology, or behavioural ecology experiments in small invertebrates.
- Experience linking empirical data to modelling or theory.
- Experience with controlled laboratory systems.
- Interest in adaptation, climate change or conservation applications.
Qualifications:
- PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline (Research Associate).
- Near completion of a PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline (Research Assistant).
For all informal enquiries please contact isabel.smallegange@ncl.ac.uk.
Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology(29281) employer: Findauniversity Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Findauniversity Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology(29281)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend conferences, and engage with researchers on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your research experience. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role, especially your experience in experimental ecology and data analysis.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your interests and qualifications. Tailor your approach to each opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology(29281)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in experimental evolutionary ecology. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your research projects!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your quantitative skills, especially if you’ve worked with statistics in R. We’re keen on seeing how you can analyse data and contribute to our modelling efforts, so make it clear!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Findauniversity Ltd.
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of experimental evolutionary ecology. Familiarise yourself with the key concepts mentioned in the job description, like developmental processes and adaptation to environmental change. This will help you demonstrate your understanding and passion for the field during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with experimental design and data analysis, especially using statistical tools like R. Be ready to provide examples of past research projects where you’ve successfully collected and analysed biological data, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your teamwork skills and any experience working in collaborative research environments. Since the role involves working closely with a modelling postdoctoral researcher, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to a supportive team dynamic.
✨Engagement and Communication
Think about how you can communicate complex scientific findings to non-academic audiences. Prepare examples of how you’ve done this in the past or how you would approach it in this role. This shows that you can bridge the gap between research and public understanding, which is a valuable skill.