Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

The above full-time fixed term post is available from 18 August 2023 until 15 August 2025 in the Faculty of Health and Life Science.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the NERC funded Research project entitled Quantifying the nutrient enrichment, pathogenic, and ecotoxicological impacts of livestock farming on UK rivers (QUANTUM) together with the Universities of Bristol, Bangor, Bath and Lancaster, and various stakeholders.

The post holder will be directly involved in the planning, establishing and execution of experiments with algae, invertebrates and fish zebrafish to assess the impacts of exposure to farm wastes (and the ecotoxins they contain) on their health, with the aim of generating data for improving the protection of our natural freshwaters. The post holder will also support the wider project team in the QUANTUM consortium in other experimental work, as required, lead in data analysis and interpretation, as well as with the writing of reports and research papers.

The post holder will be based at the University of Exeter working as part of a large team researching into a great variety of projects in environmental biology. The techniques employed in the research team are also wide ranging, specialising in whole organism physiology, and including molecular and imaging methods and studies on behaviour. As such there is a very rich learning environment and the post will offer great opportunities for gaining skill training in the very latest research methods and in-life studies focused on protecting the natural environment

The post will include duties like the ones outlined below: 

• Execute laboratory ad field based in-life studies to assess the impacts of farm wastes (and the ecotoxins they contain) on freshwater organisms including algae, invertebrates and fish;
• Undertake various bioassays to assess for effects on growth, behaviour, tissue responses (via histopathology) and gene transcription (via RNAseq);
• Undertake experiments with transgenic fish and advanced imaging methods to understand how the chemical of cause any effects seen;
• Experimental design and data analysis;
• Report andresearch paper writing;
• Presentation of research findings to wide ranging audiences at local, national and international meetings as appropriate;
• Communicate effectively with research project supervisory team and QUANTIM consortium;
• Support the Exeter project team more widely as required.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in ecotoxicology/environmental biology and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. The successful applicant will need to be able to work collaboratively, communicate effectively with the research project supervisory team and support the Exeter project team more widely, including the work of PhD students, as required.

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 stunning Devon.

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 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings).  

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. 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 are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.  Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us.  Read about our world leading research on 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 City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

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.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 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 and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

For further information please contact Professor Charles Tyler, e-mail [email protected] .

The closing date for completed applications is 12.07.2023.  Interviews are expected to take place in the week beginning commencing 31.07.2023.