Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Maternity leave 26 weeks

Paternity leave 6 weeks

Fertility treatment policy

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a full-time, 12-month fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy to support AI4DigiMiC with Prof. Gabriel Yvon-Durocher.

The role leads experimental microbiology on soil microbiomes, revives microbial communities, runs high-throughput growth and respiration measurements, and integrates data with genomic information to guide future restoration interventions.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbial ecology or related field is required or nearing completion.
• Experience designing complex microbial experiments including cultivation.
• Strong quantitative and data-analysis skills; ability to organize workflows and maintain records.
• Experience with R or Python is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the project’s experimental microbiology programme for soil microbiomes and isolates.
• Develop high-throughput measurements of growth, respiration and carbon-use efficiency.
• Collaborate with project partners to produce datasets and contribute to publications and presentations.
• Maintain reproducible experimental records and ensure quality control.

Skills

Experimental design

Microbial cultivation

Data analysis

Quantitative skills

Education

PhD in microbial ecology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Microplate-based assays

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded, full-time post is available from 01/10/2026 on a fixed-term basis for 12 months.

The starting salary will be from £35,302 on grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the work of Professor Gabriel Yvon-Durocher on AI4DigiMiC, a collaborative project developing hybrid artificial intelligence models to guide microbiome-driven soil restoration.

Soil microbial communities play a central role in carbon storage and ecosystem recovery. This project will combine experimental measurements of microbial carbon-use efficiency—the proportion of carbon taken up that is retained in biomass with genomic and environmental data to predict microbiome function and inform future restoration interventions.

The successful applicant will deliver the project’s experimental microbiology programme, working with soil microbiomes and microbial isolates from the UK Crop Microbiome CryoBank. The post will include reviving and culturing microbial communities and isolates; developing and conducting high-throughput measurements of microbial growth, respiration and carbon-use efficiency; and analysing and interpreting the resulting data.

The postholder will contribute specialist expertise to experimental design and method development, maintain reproducible experimental records, and undertake quality control. They will collaborate with project partners to produce datasets suitable for integration with genomic information and predictive models, and contribute to research publications, project meetings and presentations.

About You

• Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification or experience in microbial ecology, microbiology or a related field. The successful applicant will possess sufficient specialist knowledge to develop research methodologies and contribute to the project’s research programme.
• Applicants will have experience of designing and conducting complex microbial experiments, including microbial cultivation, alongside strong quantitative and data-analysis skills. They will be able to organise experimental workflows, resolve methodological problems and maintain accurate, reproducible records. Experience of microplate-based assays, microbial growth or respiration measurements, and reproducible analysis using R or Python would be advantageous.
• The successful applicant will be able to work collaboratively, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and present research progress and outcomes. They will contribute to proposals and applications to external bodies, manage their work to meet project deadlines, and support the work of colleagues and students as appropriate.
• Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

For further information, please contact Professor Gabriel Yvon-Durocher at [e-mail].

About Us

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.

What We Can Offer You

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports 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 Devon/Cornwall.