At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and conduct experiments to explore how organisms adapt to environmental changes.
- Company: Join a leading research-intensive university making a real impact in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for publication, and a collaborative research environment.
- Other info: Full-time role until April 2029 with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that shapes our understanding of evolution and adaptation.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in ecology or evolutionary biology; strong research and data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 46049 £ per year.
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
Salary: Research Assistant: £33,951 - £35,608 per annum. Research Associate: £36,636 - £46,049 per annum.
The Role
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. The project builds on recent work developing a "development-centric" approach to demography (see Smallegange 2026, Academia Biology for an overview).
This is a full time, fixed term role available until 30 April 2029. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 2 June and Friday 5 June 2026. For all informal enquiries please contact isabel.smallegange@ncl.ac.uk
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
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
- 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)
Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
As a world-class research-intensive university located in the North East of England, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises high-calibre talent. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for innovative research projects and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that our staff can thrive in their academic careers while contributing to meaningful advancements in ecological research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your academic contacts, attend relevant conferences, and engage with professionals in the field. You never know who might have a lead on a position or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to experimental research and data analysis. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your research projects, including any publications or presentations. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise in ecological research and data analysis.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to groundbreaking research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Evolutionary Ecology in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in experimental and empirical ecological research. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your strong quantitative skills and any experience you have with statistical analysis, especially in R. We’re looking for someone who can handle data like a pro, so let us know what you’ve got!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to communicate your ideas effectively, as strong communication skills are key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in experimental evolutionary ecology. Familiarise yourself with the specific project mentioned in the job description, especially the 'development-centric' approach. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with statistical analysis and data collection methods. Brush up on your skills in R and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past research. Having specific examples at hand will help you demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This role emphasises collaboration, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Think of examples where you contributed to a project or helped resolve conflicts. Highlighting your communication skills will be key!
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers! Ask insightful questions about their current research or the project’s goals. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in contributing to their work.
