Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will be from 33,482 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

16/07/2025

Job reference

Q07201

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full-time post is available from 4th August 2025 on a 7-month fixed term basis.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate (full-time, 1.0FTE) to participate in the interdisciplinary project EvoMotion (www.micromotility.com). This ERC-starting grant funded post is available from 4th Aug 2025 for a period of 7 months. The successful applicant will undertake experimental and biophysical studies microalgal motility that are relevant in a range of ecologically significant contexts. The post will combine robophysical modelling with careful study of the fluid-structure interactions underpinning cilia motility in a number of non-model organisms. This full-time role will be based at Exeter's flagship Living Systems Institute.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Kirsty Wan in the first instance to discuss details: email: k.y.wan2@exeter.ac.uk, tel: +44 (0)1392 727447.

About you

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 be nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have expertise in microalgal culturing and experimental biophysics. The successful applicant should also be able independently but also work collaboratively within a team. They should have a keen interest interdisciplinary research and demonstrate a good understanding of soft matter or biological physics (broadly defined). Proficiency in scientific programming, fluid dynamical and mathematical modelling of microscale/cellular processes as well as robotics is highly desirable.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we are one of the fastest growing UK Research Universities and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework) and we encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.

With over 22,000 students and 5,500 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

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 new Fertility Treatment Policy


A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon


Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Kirsty Wan in the first instance to discuss details: email: k.y.wan2@exeter.ac.uk, tel: +44 (0)1392 727447.