Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
About The Role
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
This NERC-funded full-time post is available from 03/05/2027 until 02/05/2029 at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
The starting salary will be from £35,302 to £40,704 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The Role
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Penryn Campus, Cornwall.
The successful applicant will work with Dr Bram Kuijper, Professor Alex Thornton and collaborators on the theoretical components of their NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant: “The co-evolution of learning and social structure: how minds shape societies and societies shape minds” (UKRI4324).
It has long been suggested that the demands of social life drive cognitive evolution. However, if cognition allows individuals to learn who best to associate with, individuals’ mental processes may shape societies in return. To understand such dynamics and generate testable predictions, this post will develop evolutionary models (primarily individual-based evolutionary simulations) to establish a predictive framework linking the evolution of learning in social decision-making to social evolution. It will include the development of simulation code using a programming language such as C++, R or Python, interpretation of model outputs, publication and presentation of findings. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with empirical researchers working on wild jackdaws as part of the grant, and the successful candidate will be a member of Thornton’s Wild Cognition Research Group.
About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate: The successful applicant will have proven skills in evolutionary modelling and 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 an equivalent qualification/experience in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, theoretical biology or a related field of study. They will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes and possess relevant skills in computational evolutionary biology including individual-based simulations. Applicants should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with experience in coding and data analysis. They should demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research. Desirable skills include: the ability to develop simulation code using a programming language such as C++, R or Python, knowledge of social network analysis and game theory and experience of collaborations spanning theoretical and empirical research.
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 in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, theoretical biology or a related field of study. The successful applicant will have a strong track record of high quality publications, including evidence of published research in theoretical evolutionary biology. They must possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies, with skills in evolutionary modelling including individual-based simulations and the ability to develop simulation code using a programming language such as C++, R or Python.
Applicants will be able to demonstrate interest and expertise in theoretical modelling in the fields of social evolution/cognitive evolution and experience of collaborations or discussions integrating theoretical and empirical research. They should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with expertise in coding and data analysis. In addition to their track record of publications, they must demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research. Desirable skills include: the ability to work with version control tools like git, experience with unix-based operating systems, experience of engaging with concepts from animal cognition (e.g. learning/decision-making), managing research teams and supervising students and/or junior colleagues.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Please contact Dr Bram Kuijper, a.l.w.kuijper@exeter.ac.uk or Prof Alex Thornton, alex.thornton@exeter.ac.uk
About Us
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel 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 hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. 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.
