Professor in Biophysics (E&R)

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The above role is available immediately on a full-time, permanent basis.

The Living Systems Institute (LSI) is a flagship interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Exeter comprising Physicists, Mathematicians, Engineers, Biologists and Biomedical scientists. The ambition of the Institute is to to decode the complexity of living systems across scales, from sub-molecular to cell populations, and from microbes to humans. Our primary focus is on understanding and controlling the individual and collective properties of cells, encompassing the physical principles of tissue organisation.

This Professorial post is based in the LSI and affiliated to the adjacent Department of Physics.

The role

We are seeking to appoint a Professor with a particular interest in the biophysics of multicellular systems and a programme of cutting edge experimental research with strong theoretical underpinning. The research area will include, or incorporate through collaboration, investigation of biophysical principles underlying cell differentiation, tissue formation, tissue organization, morphogenesis or related topics.

In addition to conducting research at the international forefront, the post will include responsibility for strengthening biophysics collaborations between LSI and the Department of Physics, and with external partners. 

We are looking for a leading international figure with the ability to attract world-class academics to their research group. Applicants will be innovative researchers with a track record of substantial research funding and excellent international quality publications.

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
• 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 Devon

Please ensure you read our Job Description, Person Specification and LSI overview 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). 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.

 We currently have four positions out to advert in the Living Systems Institute: P44115 Professor in Biophysics (E&R), P42965 Associate Professor to Professor in Mathematics and/or Statistics (E&R), and P80322 (two roles available) Senior Lecturer to Professor in Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Biology (E&R).

Please note that as of 1st September 2022 our colleges and schools will be moving into a new structure which will consist of the following three Faculties – Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, (to include the Business School) and Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

For an informal and confidential discussion about the post please contact Prof Austin Smith [email protected]