Postdoctoral Research Associate

The above full-time post is available 1st November 2025 on a fixed-term basis until the 31st of October 2028.

The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Prof Darren Croft. This NERC-funded post, in collaboration with Dr Samuel Ellis at the University of Exeter and Prof Daniel Franks at the University of York, and Dr Michael Wiess at the Center for Whale Research (USA) is available from 1st November 2025 for a period of three years. The successful applicant will join a collaborative team exploring how information access shapes social dynamics in resident killer whales. This project takes advantage of a unique 50-year dataset on the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales to investigate how individuals adjust their social relationships in response to changing prey availability, partner loss, and the distribution of ecological knowledge within social groups.

The PDRA will play a central role in delivering the project, working closely with the Center for Whale Research (USA) and other partners. Responsibilities will include coordinating and conducting advanced analyses of long-term behavioural and ecological data, integrating diverse datasets, and testing predictions about the drivers and consequences of social and ecological dynamics. The postholder will also contribute to project meetings, support collaborations, and prepare high-impact manuscripts for publication.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of behavioural ecology, conservation, and data science, addressing fundamental questions about social behaviour while generating insights directly relevant to the conservation of an iconic endangered species.

About you
The successful applicant will hold a PhD (or equivalent qualification/experience) in behavioural ecology, animal behaviour, conservation biology, or a related discipline. They will have specialist knowledge and quantitative skills to design and implement advanced research programmes, analyse complex datasets, and develop innovative methodologies.

The successful applicant will be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-institutional team, supervise the work of others, and take on leadership responsibilities where appropriate. They will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to present research findings clearly in oral, written, and electronic formats.

The successful applicant will be motivated, adaptable, and committed to producing high-quality research that advances our understanding of animal social behaviour and contributes directly to the conservation of an endangered species.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) 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.

Further information
For further information please contact Darren Croft, Professor of Animal Behaviour, e-mail D.P.Croft@exeter.ac.uk.

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