Postdoctoral Research Fellow UNICIL Project

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Beautiful campus

Maternity leave

Paternity leave

Fertility policy

Job summary

University of Exeter is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead the theoretical and computational strand of the UNICIL programme at Living Systems Institute. You will develop multiscale models linking cilia coordination to cellular architecture, working with experimental data and collaborators.

The role demands strong background in applied mathematics and physics, with skills in dynamical systems, fluid dynamics and scientific programming.

Qualifications

• Strong background in applied mathematics, theoretical or biological physics.
• Expertise in dynamical systems and fluid dynamics.
• Experience in numerical modelling and data analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead theoretical and computational work on multiscale cilia models.
• Develop coupled-oscillator and hydrodynamic simulations to study coordination.
• Collaborate with experimental data and consortium partners.

Skills

Applied mathematics

Theoretical physics

Biological physics

Dynamical systems

Fluid dynamics

Scientific programming

Numerical modelling

Research software development

Data analysis

Job description

Type of Contract: Fixed-term contract

Advertising Salary: Salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

This Wellcome Trust funded full-time post is available on a fixed term basis from 01 November 2026 till 31 October 2028.

The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role

Faculty of Environment Science and Economy

The faculty wishes to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow to join the group of Prof Kirsty Wan. This full-time role will be based at Exeter's Living Systems Institute and forms part of UNICIL (UNIty and diversity of MultiCILiary function), a Wellcome-funded international consortium of six research groups working to uncover the core biophysical principles of motile ciliary function across scales, from single cells to entire tissues.

The post-holder will lead the theoretical and computational strand of this programme at Exeter, developing multiscale models of how cilia are coupled to one another and how those couplings give rise to the diverse patterns of ciliary coordination observed across the eukaryotic tree.

About You

The successful applicant will develop mathematical and computational models to investigate how cilia coordinate their beating and generate synchronised motion, and how this varies across organisms with different cellular architectures. The research will explore how coordination patterns influence biological functions such as swimming, steering, and fluid transport.

The post-holder will use a range of modelling approaches, from dynamical systems and coupled-oscillator models to hydrodynamic and elastohydrodynamic simulations, working closely with experimental data from advanced imaging and microscopy. A key objective will be to link model predictions to cell structure and behaviour and test these experimentally through collaborative work with consortium partners.

Applicants should have a strong background in applied mathematics, theoretical or biological physics, with expertise in dynamical systems, fluid dynamics, and scientific programming. Experience with numerical modelling, research software development, and data analysis is essential. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental researchers, contribute original ideas to the programme, and play an active role within the wider research consortium.

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

Further information

Please contact Anne-Caroline Hebrard, UNICIL Project Manager, [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.

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.