Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

1000scholars; Penryn; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join an ERC-funded project on the molecular determinants of insecticide sensitivity in Hymenoptera. The role involves diverse analyses, including functional expression and bioinformatics, with opportunities to publish and contribute to impact-driven outcomes.

Successful applicants will hold a PhD (or near completion) or equivalent, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be able to lead aspects

Qualifications

• PhD (or nearing completion) in a related field
• Ability to present progress and outcomes clearly
• Ability to prepare proposals and external applications

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological, biochemical, molecular and bioinformatic analyses
• Express insect detoxification enzymes in cell lines and transgenic Drosophila
• Perform phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses and database development
• Carry out insect bioassays and contribute to Bass lab activities
• Develop research objectives, projects and proposals and seek funding

Skills

Presentation of progress

Communicate complex information

Proposal writing

PhD in related field

Education

PhD or near completion

Tools

Bioinformatics

Molecular biology

Job description

This ERC funded full-time post is available from 4 January 2027 until 3 January 2030.

The starting salary will be from £35,302 to £36,320 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £44,352 to £46,970 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role

The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to participate in an exciting ERC funded project entitled ‘Unravelling the molecular determinants of insecticide sensitivity in the Hymenoptera HYMOTOX’.

The project aims to understand what determines the sensitivity of beneficial insects (e.g. bees, parasitoid wasps, ants) to pesticides at the molecular level. The knowledge gained will be leveraged to provide new tools for pesticide risk assessment that move beyond the use of data derived from a handful of managed model species, and resources that can be used to predict and avoid negative insect-pesticide interactions and in the development of next-generation insecticides that are safe to beneficial insects. Thus the project offers the potential to make both major fundamental advances leading to high impact publications while delivering applied impact that will protect vital insect biodiversity.

The successful applicant will conduct a range of biological, biochemical, molecular and bioinformatic analyses including functional expression of insect detoxification enzymes in insect cell lines and transgenic Drosophila, phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses, database development and insect bioassays. The post-holder will also contribute to other activities in the Bass lab.

About You

Postdoctoral 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.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study 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 insert skills and knowledge required.

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 possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in a related field of study and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

The closing date for applications is 24 November.

Further information

Please contact Chris Bass, [e-mail].

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.

£35,302 to £46,970. See advert text for details.