Postdoctoral Research Associate

 

Description:

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison)'s Cognition and Conservation Group in Penryn, Cornwall. The successful applicant will work with Dr Miller (the Principal Investigator) on her Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship project: "Understanding the role of individual cognitive variation in reintroduction biology".

The post will include captive and field-based conservation, ecological, behavioural and cognitive focussed research, primarily with birds, interdisciplinary collaborations, co-supervision of students and junior researchers, and contributing to project impact, including generating evidence-based guidelines for captive management and reintroduction programmes.

About You

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion for Associate) or an equivalent qualification/experience in conservation, ecology, comparative psychology, cognitive biology or a related field of study. They will be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge (Associate) or be a nationally recognised authority (Fellow) in the discipline, research methods and techniques to work within (Associate) or develop (Fellow ) established research programmes.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate interest and expertise in conservation and ecology (essential), cognition and behaviour (desirable) research with animals, using experiments and/or observations, in field (essential) and/or captive (desirable) settings, ideally with birds. Applicants should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with experience in data management and statistical analysis. They should demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. Desirable skills include: knowledge of ecological tools and field-relevant equipment (e.g. RFID, GPS tracking), analytical tools (e.g. GIS, mixed modelling), experience creating impact beyond academia (e.g. policy or industry), zoo/ industry experience, and knowledge of Open Science practices.

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

What we can offer you

Freedom (and support) to pursue intellectual interests and 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 Cornwall

Organization University of Exeter
Industry Medical / Healthcare Jobs
Occupational Category Postdoctoral Research Associate
Job Location Exeter,UK
Shift Type Morning
Job Type Full Time
Gender No Preference
Career Level Intermediate
Experience 2 Years
Posted at 2026-05-05 3:36 pm
Expires on 2026-06-19