Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College of Life and Environmental Sciences

This NERC-funded post is available from 1 October 2022 on a fixed term basis until 30 September 2026.

The post

An experimental test of the role of selection, drift and gene flow in shaping evolution in the wild

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a project with Dr Erik Postma (University of Exeter), Prof Jon Slate (University of Sheffield) and Prof Marcel Visser (Netherlands Institute of Ecology), investigating the role of selection, genetic drift and gene flow in shaping contemporary life-history evolution in wild populations.

The post will involve the processing and analysis of long-term individual-based life-history data for a Dutch island population of great tits, as well as whole-genome sequence data for 1000+ individuals, using state-of-the-art analytical tools. This population has been displaced from its adaptive optimum by means of artificial selection on clutch size (Postma et al. 2007. J. Evol. Biol.), providing a unique opportunity to study life-history evolution-in-action and to gain a better understanding of the adaptive potential of natural populations. The PDRF will be responsible for primary results write-up, the presentation of results at scientific conferences, and they will contribute to public outreach. This will involve annual visits to Wageningen and Sheffield, and data collection on the island of Vlieland for a number of weeks each spring (circumstances permitting).

About you

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in evolutionary biology or a related field, with a broad knowledge in the discipline. They have excellent quantitative skills, demonstrable expertise in biostatistics, and a strong interest in quantitative genetics and life-history evolution. They are expected to prepare data for analysis, write up results for publication and give presentations at conferences and other events. They are a team player capable of working independently, have excellent organisational ability, and are willing to assist in training of graduate students.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in evolutionary ecology, quantitative genetics and/or bioinformatics. They possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to apply existing and develop new analytical tools to individual-based life-history, pedigree, and sequence data. Furthermore, an affinity for field work and experience working with birds would be of advantage.

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

You will join the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Cornwall campus of the University of Exeter, which is the largest group of whole-organism biologists in the UK and is now the 11th ranked ecology department globally (2021 Shanghai University Rankings) with exceptional strengths in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology and animal behaviour .

• 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 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 new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall

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

For further information please contact Dr Erik Postma, by e-mail ([email protected]) or telephone (+44 (0)1326 214387).

The closing date for completed applications is 6 June 2022.