Research Assistant/Associate in Phylogenomics

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant: £33,002 - £33,951 per annum.
Research Associate: £35,608 - £46,049 per annum.

The Role
Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work in the group of Dr Evelyn Jensen in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University on a project constructing a dated nuclear phylogeny for the radiation of Galapagos giant tortoises. The position is available for 6 months. In-person working in Newcastle, hybrid or remote working could be arranged.

The Galapagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis sp.) are iconic emblems of both evolutionary biology and the fight to save endangered species. This radiation of at least 15 lineages can be considered a "natural experiment" and is an excellent study system for evolutionary biology that has the benefit of also being of huge public and conservation interest. Research over the last 20 years using genetic markers such as microsatellites and mitochondrial gene sequencing has revealed much about the history of divergence among lineages and patterns of colonization across the archipelago. The overall goal of the project will be to use an existing whole genome dataset to further the current understanding of radiation by constructing for the first time a dated nuclear phylogeny that includes both extinct and extant Galapagos giant tortoise lineages. From this phylogeny, biogeographic reconstructions to understand the colonization of the Galapagos will be built.

You should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in conservation / evolutionary genomics and be familiar with phylogenomic methods. You will be expected to present through oral presentations and contribute to publications, requiring strong communication skills. In addition to conducting your research, you will take on some responsibility for mentoring postgraduate and undergraduate research students within the lab group.

The School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University is a world-leading centre of research excellence, delivering impact to society from our local area to all corners of the planet. Our school provides a distinctive breadth of subjects and specialisms and our ground-breaking research has led to a wide range of exciting discoveries from new treatments for ovarian cancer to the development of pest-resistant crops.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

For more information about research within the School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University, please see here.

We are looking for candidates who can commence on or before 1st February 2026.

To apply, please provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in ‘The Person' (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Evelyn Jensen at the following email address: evelyn.jensen@newcastle.ac.uk.

Advert information