At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct interdisciplinary research on bat ecosystem services and their socio-economic impacts.
- Company: University of Southampton, a leading institution in biological sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international fieldwork opportunities, and collaboration with diverse partners.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful academic publications over 3 years.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while exploring the fascinating world of bats.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong field research experience, especially with bats.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 41064 £ per year.
The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services. This full-time, fixed-term post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust as part of the project “Quantifying the socio-economic consequences of losing bat guano services”. The role centres on interdisciplinary research at the interface of ecology, socio-ecological systems and sustainable development, exploring the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano in Mexico.
The project integrates field ecology, cave ecosystem assessment, stakeholder engagement and value‑chain and governance analyses to better understand how this under‑recognised natural resource supports agriculture and rural livelihoods. The successful candidate will be based at the University’s Highfield Campus and contribute to high-quality academic publications and policy‑relevant outputs, collaborating with UK‑ and Mexico‑based partners, conservation organisations, and government agencies. The position is fixed for 36 months (3 years) and includes participation in extended international fieldwork and interdisciplinary research activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should hold a completed PhD (or equivalent) in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, environmental economics, or a closely related discipline.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong field-based research experience, with a specific interest in bats, ecology or socio‑ecological systems.
- A willingness and ability to conduct extended international fieldwork and work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries are required.
Required Expertise & Skills
- Proven experience in ecological field research, preferably with bats or comparable wildlife systems.
- Interest and experience in socio‑ecological research, including stakeholder engagement and governance analyses.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for academic publication and reporting.
- Spanish language skills desirable or willingness to learn to support fieldwork and stakeholder engagement in Mexico.
Salary Details
The appointment carries a salary of £41,064 per annum, reflecting full-time employment for the fixed-term project.
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by Monday 30 March 2026.
Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services in Southampton employer: RFCSR
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary research. As a Research Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity for professional growth through mentorship and publishing your findings, all while contributing to impactful advancements in biomedical engineering within a prestigious academic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, especially those who are already working on bat ecosystem services or related areas. Attend conferences, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your research game on! Prepare a solid presentation of your past work, especially any field research you've done with bats or socio-ecological systems. We want to see how you can contribute to the project, so make sure to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for bats! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you care about bat conservation and how you see your role making a difference. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’ve got all the info you need to tailor your approach. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in ecological field research, especially with bats or similar wildlife. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about bat ecosystem services and how your skills can contribute to our interdisciplinary research. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Whether it’s through clear language in your CV or a well-structured cover letter, let us see your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RFCSR
✨Know Your Bats
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about bats and their ecosystem services. Understand the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano, especially in the context of Mexico. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Field Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous field research experiences, particularly those involving bats or similar wildlife systems. Be ready to share specific examples of your methodologies, findings, and how they relate to the project’s goals. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role involves stakeholder engagement, think about how you would approach this aspect. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with diverse groups. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in governance analyses to show you can navigate complex socio-ecological systems.
✨Brush Up on Your Spanish
If you have any Spanish language skills, be sure to mention them! If not, express your willingness to learn. This shows your commitment to supporting fieldwork in Mexico and engaging effectively with local stakeholders, which is a key part of the role.
