Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy - Geography

This full-time role is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 30th  June 2027 and will provide direct support to the molecular biology research activities in our Geography department on the University of Exeter Streatham campus.

Summary of the role

You will integrate a team investigating the microbial mechanisms involved with sequestering and storing Carbon within agricultural soils as part of a larger research programme between Exeter and industrial partners. Your PDRA role will further support the ongoing Nature Based Solutions (NBS) research being conducted in Exeter.

Your role will involve a range of molecular biology and DNA/RNA sequencing techniques to monitor the dynamics of microbial communities from agricultural soils in natural and laboratory environments.  Temporal analysis of the soil microbiome under experimental conditions will enable identification of the key microbes and functional pathways responsible for carbon sequestration. You will be responsible for performing appropriate nucleic acid purifications, preparing sequencing libraries and implementing appropriate bioinformatic analyses. Our group utilises both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing methods to help reveal complex microbial communities

The role will also involve developing robust, automated and high-throughput methods, utilising liquid handling robots to aid with the throughput of the high volume of samples anticipated as part of this project.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

You will be expected to report your findings to the wider research team, our industrial partners and the research community by preparing research publications, seminars and by presenting at scientific conferences. There will also be the opportunity to help mentor junior staff members and research students. We seek a dedicated and self-motivated individual who thrives in a team environment to join our research group.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to 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 beautiful campus set in the heart of the stunning South West of England.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr. Richard Tennant [email protected]