At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking research project on pest resistance evolution and contribute to innovative scientific discoveries.
- Company: University of Exeter, a top Russell Group university known for excellence in teaching and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive staff benefits including generous parental leave.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and supports career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in evolutionary biology while collaborating with industry leaders like Bayer AG.
- Qualifications: Experience in molecular biology and a can-do attitude towards complex research protocols.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 33951 £ per year.
We seek a Graduate Research Assistant on the project: Are transposons important facilitators of resistance evolution in the major agricultural pest fall armyworm?
Location: Cornwall
Contract: Fixed-term contract, two years starting 15th October 2026.
Salary: up to £33,951 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience.
Role Overview
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.
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 involve 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.
About You
- Experience working in molecular biology in a research laboratory, ideally with transposons and/or evolutionary biology.
- Experience with cell lines such as Spodoptera frugiperda and/or functional validation assays is a positive.
- Can-do attitude; able to problem-solve complex protocols that may require time and patience to develop and optimise.
- First degree level (or equivalent qualification/experience) in a related field; sufficient knowledge in the discipline and research methods to work within established research programmes.
- Capable of presenting research progress and outcomes, communicating complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and preparing 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
About Us
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell 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.
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.
How We Can Help
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.
Contact Details:
University of Exeter Ladies Hockey Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Research Assistant in Penryn
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