About The Role
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
This BBSRC funded, full-time post is available on a fixed term basis from 4th of January 2027 until 12th November 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 a BBSRC funded project entitled ‘E-Prep II: Single and Combined Bacterial Infections Across Multiple Cropping Systems: Risks, Preparation and Mitigation’.
This project aims to understand the biology and risks that bacterial pathogens and planthopper vectors pose to UK food security. The research will focus on the native reed planthopper (Pentastiridius leporinus) and its role as a vector of Syndrome Bases Richesses (SBR), currently at epidemic levels in European potato and sugar beet. This will include biological and molecular analysis of host adaptation in P. leporinus and investigation of gene flow in UK populations of this species. Thus the project offers the potential to make both major fundamental advances leading to high impact publications while delivering applied impact that will protect key UK crops.
The successful applicant will conduct a range of biological, molecular and bioinformatic analyses. These will include analysis of next-gen sequencing data - both transcriptomic and population genomic analyses, DNA and RNA extraction, insect rearing and RNA interference. 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.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
- Support teams that understand the University wide research and 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 supporting 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
Further information
Please contact Chris Bass, c.bass@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 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 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.
