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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching cognitive variation in conservation biology, primarily with birds.
- Company: Royal Society funded project at the University of Exeter in beautiful Cornwall.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous parental leave policies.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while pursuing your research passions.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields; strong research and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34610 - 39906 ÂŁ per year.
This Royal Society funded full-time post is available from 7th September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed‑term basis until 30th August 2030. The starting salary will be from £34,610 (E26) to £39,906 (E31) on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and at £43,482 (F34) on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part‑time hours or job‑sharing arrangements.
The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison) in the Cognition and Conservation Group in Penryn, Cornwall. The successful applicant will work with Dr Miller (the Principal Investigator) on her Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship project “Understanding the role of individual cognitive variation in reintroduction biology”. The post will include captive and field‑based conservation, ecological, behavioural and cognitive research, primarily with birds, interdisciplinary collaborations, co‑supervision of students and junior researchers, and contributing to project impact, including generating evidence‑based guidelines for captive management and reintroduction programmes.
About You
- Postdoctoral Research Associate: Able to present information on research progress and outcomes and communicate complex information, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be near completion for Associate) or an equivalent qualification/experience in conservation, ecology, comparative psychology, cognitive biology or a related field of study. They will be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge (Associate) or be a nationally recognised authority (Fellow) in the discipline, research methods and techniques to work within (Associate) or develop (Fellow) established research programmes. Applicants will be able to demonstrate interest and expertise in conservation and ecology (essential), cognition and behaviour (desirable) research with animals, using experiments and/or observations, in field (essential) and/or captive (desirable) settings, ideally with birds. They should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with experience in data management and statistical analysis. They should demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
Desirable skills include:
- Knowledge of ecological tools and field‑relevant equipment (e.g. RFID, GPS tracking)
- Analytical tools (e.g. GIS, mixed modelling)
- Experience creating impact beyond academia (e.g. policy or industry)
- Zoo/industry experience
- Knowledge of Open Science practices
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you
- Freedom (and support) to pursue intellectual interests and work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
- Support teams that understand the University wide research and 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 supporting 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 Cornwall
Further information Please contact Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison), r.miller7@exeter.ac.uk (www.drrachaelmiller.com).
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to Dr Rachael Miller and others in the Cognition and Conservation Group. A friendly email or a quick chat can go a long way in making a good impression and showing your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your research and the specific projects at the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for conservation and ecology! Bring examples of your previous work, especially any field or captive research you've done with birds. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the subject.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Penryn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help us understand what the role entails and what skills we’re looking for, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Research Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your research projects, especially those related to conservation, ecology, or cognitive biology. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves presenting complex information and collaborating with others, make sure to emphasise your communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated research findings or worked in teams, as this is key for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the necessary details there to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role. Be prepared to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they contribute to the field of conservation and cognition. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the subject.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific techniques and tools mentioned in the job description, like RFID or GIS. Brush up on your experience with these technologies and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. This will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves presenting complex information, practice explaining your research in a clear and engaging way. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for collaboration and impact.
✨Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Highlight any experience you have working across different fields or with diverse teams. Discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others to achieve research goals. This will align with the role's emphasis on interdisciplinary work and show that you're a team player.