Senior Research Associate

Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum. 

Are you a reliable and enthusiastic researcher keen to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment? Do you have a strong interest in exploring the evolutionary ecology of animal behaviour and the gut microbiome? An exciting opportunity is available to join the Davidson Lab at the School of Biological Sciences as a Senior Research Associate. 

Our research explores how microbe-host interactions shape wildlife biology, with a focus on early-life processes in natural populations of blue tits and great tits. You will characterise gut microbiomes through whole-genome sequencing and microbial culturing. You will perform targeted microbiome interventions and host phenotyping to understand how microbes benefit wildlife.

As a Senior Research Associate you will be associated with a NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant to PI Dr Gabrielle Davidson, and Co-I Professor Lindsay Hall (University of Birmingham; Quadram Institute). In this role, you will mentor lab members, contribute ideas and enhance methodologies. You will perform wet laboratory and field work data collection, analyse and interpret genetic sequence data, present results and write for publication. You will attend scientific meetings and be involved in departmental seminars and public engagement activities. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to grant applications, and there are a broad range of training opportunities available.

• You will have a PhD (or be close to completion, within 3 months of appointment) in biological sciences, computational biology, ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or relevant field.
• You will have experience of independent research, have publications in respected journals or equivalent within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results driven manner in a high paced environment.
• You will have strong computational skills and experience in bioinformatics, including high-throughput sequencing data analysis, programming and scripting (e.g. Python, R), mixed model and multivariate statistical analysis and the ability to interpret results. 
• You will have strong communication skills, and work effectively as part of a team.
• Advanced skills in microbiome functional gene annotation, Machine Learning, animal cognition and behaviour, and/or experience in fieldwork ecology would be advantageous.

This full-time post is available from 1 February 2026 for 36 months. Hybrid working is available outside of key fieldwork periods. In-person attendance will be required during seasonal bird flocking and breeding periods to support critical data collection activities.

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options. This role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from those who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply, including candidates who are disabled, Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority and/or LGBTQ+. We welcome applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.   

Closing date: 31 October 2025

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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