Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.
This funded full-time post is available starting as early as Sept 1st 2026 on a fixed-term basis until August 31st 2028.
The starting salary will be from £34,610 to £39,906 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 to £46,049 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 Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in research on the topic of host-microbe interactions mediated by antimicrobial peptides. The specific model system will be the peptides of bumblebees and other related insects in their interactions with bee gut microbiota and pathogens. The successful applicant will be responsible for cultivating various microbiota members in vitro and performing systematic antimicrobial assays using antimicrobial peptides in appropriate media. This role expects a high degree of independence to guide this research, troubleshooting challenges and using best judgement to advance the aims of the project; naturally the project supervisor will be involved in planning and available for guidance.
The post will include:
- Procurement and culturing of bumblebee microbiota bacterial genera, including growth media optimisation
- Systematic microbial killing assays (likely to focus primarily on gut bacteria) in relevant media, including optimisation of assay conditions and media used for revealing peptide-microbe interactions
- On occasion, assistance with peptide enrichment from cell culture working with team members
- On occasion, assistance with other project aims related to molecular- and microbiology (e.g. bacterial cloning and transformations)
- On occasion, supervision of junior researchers (e.g. training on molecular or microbiology skills)
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 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 insert subject area 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. Applicants at the level of Postdoctoral Research Fellow will have provided evidence that they are able to independently develop research ideas, supported to a small extent by the principal investigator, that could be reasonably submitted to a funder to secure independent research funding.
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
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
[email protected]. 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.
