Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (Living Systems Institute)

This new full time post is available from 11 April 2023 on a fixed term basis until 11 January 2025.

Summary of the role

We seek to recruit a new full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow to use mathematical modelling and computer simulation to study the earliest stages of embryogenesis in mammals. This full-time post in the group of Dr David Richards at the Living Systems Institute (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/davidrichards) is available from 11 April 2023, on a fixed term basis for 21 months.

You will carry out an exciting project to dissect the underlying rules governing development of the mammalian embryo from a single cell to the mature blastocyst. This will involve a combination of computer simulation (e.g. in C++ or MATLAB) and mathematical analysis. As well as intrinsic interest in embryology, achieving a deep understanding of the earliest phases of development may well lead to transformative impact on human fertility and fertility lifespan. Research questions will include the underlying biophysical forces at play, the similarities and differences across animals, and how IVF clinics can better decide which embryos to implant.

This project will be aligned with the aims and objectives of an exciting new research project jointly funded by the NC3Rs and the BBSRC, entitled “A novel in silico framework for early mammalian embryo development”.

About you

You will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) mathematics, physics, computer science, biophysics or engineering.

You will be a nationally recognised authority in mathematical modelling or computer simulation. You are required to be motivated and demonstrate good knowledge of the topic, possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative spirit, combined with an ability to think carefully about your research.

In addition, you will:

• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop/follow research programmes and methodologies
• Have a record of research output in high quality publications
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Have a record of active participation of a member of a research team
• Be able to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
• Possess evidence of the ability to collaborate actively both internally and externally to complete research projects and advance thinking
• Be able to participate in and develop internal and external research networks
• Be able to balance the pressures of research, administrative demands and competing deadlines
• Be willing to work flexibly to achieve project demands

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

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).  

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. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 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.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

The Institute

The Living Systems Institute (LSI) is a major initiative by the University of Exeter, designed to promote interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of biology, medicine, physics, engineering and mathematics. Its mission is to analyse living cells and organisms as integrated systems, with the aim of unravelling how diseases disrupt biological processes at the molecular, cellular and organismal level. Our vision is to work together across disciplines to identify new ways to diagnose, treat and cure disease in plants and animals, especially humans.

Further information

Please contact Dr David Richards (telephone: +44 (0)1392 727483; email: [email protected] ).