Graduate Research Assistant

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Exeter Health and Life Sciences invites applications for a Graduate Research Associate (0.8 FTE) on a fixed-term contract funded by the Royal Society until 15 November 2027. The role supports Dr Sophie Nedelec and involves analysis of acoustic data and stakeholder collaboration.

Applicants should have a first degree or equivalent, knowledge of research methods, and the ability to communicate complex information. Indigenous co-design experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Ability to present research progress clearly in writing and verbally.
• Experience preparing proposals or applications to external bodies.
• Understanding of research methods and collaboration with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Analyse passive acoustic monitoring data from coral reefs using R.
• Support development of partnerships and centre Indigenous voices in the project.

Skills

Communication skills

Proposal writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

First degree or equivalent

Tools

R (statistical software)

Job description

This part-time post at 0.8 FTE is available from 16 November 2026.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by the Royal Society until 15 November 2027.

In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

Salary will be £34,630 per annum pro rata on Grade E subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

Role

Health and Life Sciences

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Associate to support the work of Dr Sophie Nedelec. The successful applicant will assist with the analysis of passive acoustic monitoring data from coral reefs and work collaboratively with the research group on building relationships/partnerships and centring Indigenous people's voices.

The post will include undertaking a broad range of basic research activity according to the nature of the research project. For example reviewing scientific and policy literature, using R packages to analyse acoustic recordings, and helping to organise a workshop.

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 be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to discuss Indigenous co-design and have a depth of understanding of day-to-day lived experiences of Traditional Owners in Australia. This could be based on personal lived experiences or experience working with Traditional Owners in Australia.

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

Further information

Please contact Dr Sophie Nedelec, [e-mail]

The role closes on 22 November 2026.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

How We Can Help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.