At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on genetic diversity and evolution of red foxes in urban and rural settings.
- Company: Join the University of East Anglia, a leader in biological sciences and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, 44 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research impacting wildlife and biodiversity in expanding urban areas.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in genomics and bioinformatics required.
- Other info: Role available from December 2025, with opportunities for lab work if desired.
The predicted salary is between 38249 - 45413 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join the School of Biological Sciences to conduct research on the genetic diversity and evolution of the red fox. You will be part of Dr Anders Bergström's research group and work on a new project aiming to understand the diversity and evolution of red foxes across the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on contrasting foxes living in urban and rural environments.
The project will apply whole-genome sequencing to many hundreds of foxes from urban and rural locations across the UK, to study the impact that urban environments have on genetic diversity and adaptation.
You will have a postgraduate level research degree, equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area and be able to work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment. This will be a computational post, in which you will be responsible for processing genomic sequencing data from large numbers of fox samples, and lead analyses of population structure, gene flow, kinship, inbreeding and natural selection.
You should have experience working with genomics data and bioinformatics analyses, handling large amounts of data in command line and high-performance computing environments. Expertise in read mapping, genotype calling, genotype imputation, statistical genetics and genome-wide association testing would be particularly beneficial. You should have a strong interest in evolutionary biology and population genetics. The role can be entirely computational, but can also involve some amount of lab work if this would be of interest.
This full-time post is available from 1 December 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) on a fixed term basis until 30 November 2029. UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working.
Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page. Closing date: 8 July 2025. The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
Senior Research Associate in Population Genomics employer: University of East Anglia
Contact Detail:
University of East Anglia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Population Genomics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dr Anders Bergström's research by reading his recent publications. This will not only help you understand the specific focus of the project but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of population genomics and evolutionary biology. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet researchers and potentially get insights about the role and the team at UEA.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your bioinformatics skills, especially in handling genomic data. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects that involve similar analyses to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how urban environments impact wildlife, particularly red foxes. Having a solid understanding of this topic will show your genuine interest in the research and your ability to contribute to the project.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Population Genomics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Research Associate in Population Genomics. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills and experiences required, such as expertise in genomics data and bioinformatics analyses.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in population genetics, computational biology, and any previous work with genomic sequencing data. Make sure to include specific projects or achievements that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for evolutionary biology and the specific project on red foxes. Mention how your background makes you a perfect fit for the research group.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East Anglia
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with Dr Anders Bergström's research and the specific project on red foxes. Be prepared to discuss how your background in genomics and bioinformatics aligns with the goals of the project.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with genomic data processing, command line usage, and high-performance computing. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you successfully handled large datasets and performed analyses relevant to population genetics.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work in a collaborative environment. Share experiences where you have worked effectively within a team, especially in research settings, to show that you can contribute positively to the dynamic research group.
✨Express Interest in Evolutionary Biology
Convey your passion for evolutionary biology and population genetics. Discuss any relevant coursework, research, or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to understanding genetic diversity and adaptation in wildlife.