Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Associate

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the research group of Prof Kirsty Wan (https://micromotility.com). The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary Human Frontier Science Programme grant to unravel the functional ecology of heterotrophic protists, combining behavioural assays, ultrastructural and morphological studies, and computational modelling. They will have the opportunity to visit and work closely with our HFSP partners in Canada (Professor Alastair Simpson) and Denmark (Professor Thomas Kiørboe), for example through extended visits or secondments (to be discussed).

The anticipated start date is 27^th October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) on a fixed-term basis for 2 years, with possible extension (subject to approval).

This full-time role will be based at Exeter’s flagship Living Systems Institute.

The successful applicant will develop new approaches to studying the behaviour of single-celled organisms. You will have access to brand new, state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy facilities, as well as a stimulating, interdisciplinary working environment. There may also be scope and flexibility within the project for the candidate to develop their own ideas. An ideal applicant should have a keen interest protistology, experimental techniques for imaging and characterising microorganism behaviour (e.g. electrophysiology, microfluidics, 3D imaging). Good working knowledge of experimental biophysics and soft matter is highly desirable. Proficiency in scientific programming, especially computational image analysis and fluid dynamics, would be advantageous.

About you

You are required to have good interpersonal and problem-solving skills. You will be appointed at Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grade E) or Fellow (Grade F) at a level commensurate with experience.

Applicants for Fellow must possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field of study and be a nationally recognised authority in the discipline (i.e. track record of publications arising). They should have sufficient specialist knowledge and experience to develop research programmes and methodologies. Fellows will be expected to develop research objectives and proposals and may be called upon to supervise the work of others in the group.

Applicants for Associate must possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or equivalent qualification and be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge and experience to work within established research programmes.

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as 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

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

Contact: contact Prof Kirsty Wan in the first instance to discuss details:

email: k.y.wan2@exeter.ac.uk, tel: +44 (0)1392 727447

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