Job Description

Salary

The starting salary for Associate will be from 34,132 on Grade E. For Fellow from 42,882 on Grade F, 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

30/07/2025

Job reference

Q07050

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (Living Systems Institute)

This new post is available from 1 August 2025 on a fixed term basis until 23 June 2026.

The post

We seek to recruit a new full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to use mathematical modelling and computer simulation to study the earliest stages of embryogenesis in mammals. This full-time post in the group of Dr David Richards at the Living Systems Institute (http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/davidrichards) is available from 1st August 2025 on a fixed term basis until 23rd June 2026.

You will carry out an exciting project to dissect the underlying rules governing development of the mammalian embryo from a single cell to the mature blastocyst. This will involve a combination of computer simulation (e.g. in C++ or MATLAB) and mathematical analysis. As well as intrinsic interest in embryology, achieving a deep understanding of the earliest phases of development may well lead to transformative impact on human fertility and fertility lifespan. Research questions will include the underlying biophysical forces at play, the similarities and differences across animals, and how IVF clinics can better decide which embryos to implant.

This project will be aligned with the aims and objectives of an exciting research project jointly funded by the NC3Rs and the BBSRC, entitled "A novel in silico framework for early mammalian embryo development".

About you

For Associate:

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) mathematics, physics, computer science, biophysics or engineering and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

For Fellow:

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) mathematics, physics, computer science, biophysics or engineering. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in mathematical modelling or computer simulation 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.

The Institute

The Living Systems Institute (LSI) is a major initiative by the University of Exeter, designed to promote interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of biology, medicine, physics, engineering and mathematics. Its mission is to analyse living cells and organisms as integrated systems, with the aim of unravelling how diseases disrupt biological processes at the molecular, cellular and organismal level. Our vision is to work together across disciplines to identify new ways to diagnose, treat and cure disease in plants and animals, especially humans.

Please ensure you read the 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

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

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. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr David Richards (telephone: +44 (0)1392 727483; email: david.richards@exeter.ac.uk)