Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

Opportunita; Penryn; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Exeter in Penryn, Cornwall, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join the Miller Cognition and Conservation Group on an ERC Starting Grant project examining Avian Minds: the Evolution of Executive Function. The role emphasizes captive avian cognition, international collaborations, and project management.

Applicants should hold a PhD in comparative psychology or cognitive biology with publication experience, strong analytical and teamwork skills,

Qualifications

• PhD in comparative psychology or cognitive biology or related field.
• Experience in avian cognition and research from conception to publication.
• Strong collaboration and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead captive avian cognitive and behavioural research.
• Manage international collaborations and multi-site testing.
• Oversee project administration and timelines.
• Co‑supervise students and junior researchers.
• Contribute to project impact and Open Science practices.

Skills

Avian cognition

Research coordination

Statistical analysis

Strong communication

Education

PhD in comparative psychology

PhD in cognitive biology

Tools

R

Python

Job description

# Postdoctoral Research Associate / FellowUniversity of Exeter · University Exeter, United KingdomPosted 11 Nov 2026Apply on official website Opens careers.exeter.ac.ukSalary: GBP 35,302 – 44,352per yearApplication deadline: November 18, 2026 7 days leftContract duration: 3 yearsEmployment type: Full time## At a glanceGenerated summaryThe University of Exeter is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join Dr. Rachael Miller's Miller Cognition and Conservation Group in Penryn, Cornwall. Funded by an ERC Starting Grant, this role focuses on the project \"Avian Minds: Investigating the Evolution of Executive Function.\" Responsibilities include captive avian cognitive and behavioral research, international collaborations, project management, and student co-supervision. Candidates should hold a PhD in comparative psychology, cognitive biology, or a related field, with expertise in avian cognition and research from conception to publication. Salaries range from £35,302 (Grade E) to £44,352 (Grade F) depending on experience. The position is available from February 2027 to January 2030, with part-time or job-sharing arrangements considered.Generated from stored offer content. Always confirm details in the official posting.## DetailsPosition type: PostDocDepartment: Miller Cognition and Conservation GroupResearch field: BiologyDate posted: November 11, 2026Contact email: [e-mail]## About this positionOfficial opportunity text, in English · about 6 min read* Postdoctoral Research Associate / FellowThis European Research Council funded post is available from 1 February 2027 till 31 January 2030, in the first instance.In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.The starting salary will be from £35,302 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements. The Role**Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy**The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison)'s “Miller Cognition and Conservation Group” in Penryn, Cornwall. The successful applicant will work with Dr Miller (the Principal Investigator) on her ERC Starting Grant Project: \"Avian Minds: Investigating the Evolution of Executive Function\".The post will include primarily captive avian cognitive and behavioural focussed research, international collaborations and multi-site testing, research project management and administration, co-supervision of students and junior researchers, and contributing to project impact, including applying Open Science and Big-Team Science principles and practices.About YouPostdoctoral Research Associate: 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.Postdoctoral Research Fellow: 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 an equivalent qualification/experience in comparative psychology, cognitive biology or a related field of study. They will be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge (Associate) or be a nationally recognised authority (Fellow) in the discipline, research methods and techniques to work within (Associate) or develop (Fellow) established research programmes.Applicants will be able to demonstrate interest and expertise in avian cognition and behaviour research, using experiments and/or observations, in captive (lab/ zoo) settings, ideally with both automated and non-automated testing approaches. Applicants should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with experience in project management and statistical analysis. They should demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for Open Science and Big-Team Science research. Desirable skills include: knowledge of analytical tools (e.g. mixed modelling), zoo/ industry experience, and knowledge of Open Science practices.Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this roleFurther information Please contact Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison), [e-mail] (drrachaelmiller.com)* 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. **What we can offer you:** **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.* 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.