Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in microbial ecology. The role includes conducting research, supervising students, and managing laboratory activities. A relevant PhD and supervisory experience are required. This is a fixed-term position from December 2025 to December 2028, offering a supportive environment for research and innovation.

Benefits

Support for creative research

Sector-leading parental leave benefits

Beautiful campus in Cornwall

Qualifications

• Relevant PhD or equivalent experience in microbiology or evolutionary ecology.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Experience supervising undergraduate and Masters level projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in microbial ecology and evolutionary biology.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Assist in laboratory management and deliver practical classes.

Skills

Communication skills

Microbiology

Supervisory experience

Molecular skills

Computational statistics

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Job description

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from 20th December 2025 until 19th December 2028, on a fixed term basis within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor Ben Raymond. This funded post is available from 20th December 2025 to 19th December 2028. The successful applicant will support Prof Raymond and his laboratory during his tenure as Head of the Department of Ecology and Conservation.

The post will include conducting research in microbial ecology and microbial evolutionary biology. Applicant will support existing research programs but will also be encouraged to develop independent topics. An important part of this role will be the supervision of undergraduate and post graduate students, laboratory management and assisting in the delivery of practical classes.

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 possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in microbiology and evolutionary ecology and of appropriated research methods and techniques. Experience of supervising undergraduate and Masters level student projects is a requirement.

Applicants with expertise in antimicrobial resistance and insect associated microbes are particularly encouraged. Laboratory management experience, molecular skills, and experience with simple bioinformatics and computational statistics are highly desirable.

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

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 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 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 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (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

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

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.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor Ben Raymond, e-mail [e-mail] or telephone [phone]

The closing date for completed applications is 29th October 2025 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.