Computer Science jobs in United Kingdom

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (Living Systems Institute)

This new post is available from 1 August 2025 on a fixed term basis until 23 June 2026.

The starting salary for Associate will be from £34,132 on Grade E. For Fellow from £42,882 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

The post

We seek to recruit a new full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to use mathematical modelling and computer simulation to study the earliest stages of embryogenesis in mammals. This full-time post in the group of Dr David Richards at the Living Systems Institute (http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/davidrichards) is available from 1st August 2025 on a fixed term basis until 23rd June 2026.

You will carry out an exciting project to dissect the underlying rules governing development of the mammalian embryo from a single cell to the mature blastocyst. This will involve a combination of computer simulation (e.g. in C++ or MATLAB) and mathematical analysis. As well as intrinsic interest in embryology, achieving a deep understanding of the earliest phases of development may well lead to transformative impact on human fertility and fertility lifespan. Research questions will include the underlying biophysical forces at play, the similarities and differences across animals, and how IVF clinics can better decide which embryos to implant.

This project will be aligned with the aims and objectives of an exciting research project jointly funded by the NC3Rs and the BBSRC, entitled “A novel in silico framework for early mammalian embryo development”.

About you

For Associate: Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) mathematics, physics, computer science, biophysics or engineering and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes

For Fellow: Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) mathematics, physics, computer science, biophysics or engineering. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in mathematical modelling or computer simulation 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 Institute

The Living Systems Institute (LSI) is a major initiative by the University of Exeter, designed to promote interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of biology, medicine, physics, engineering and mathematics. Its mission is to analyse living cells and organisms as integrated systems, with the aim of unravelling how diseases disrupt biological processes at the molecular, cellular and organismal level. Our vision is to work together across disciplines to identify new ways to diagnose, treat and cure disease in plants and animals, especially humans.

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

Further information
For further information please contact Dr David Richards (telephone: +44 (0)1392 727483; email: david.richards@exeter.ac.uk)