Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
This BBSRC funded, full-time post is available on a fixed-term basis from 4th of January 2027 until 12th November 2030.

The starting salary will be from £ 35,302 to £ 36,320 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £44,352 to £46,970 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role
The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to participate in a BBSRC funded project entitled ‘E-Prep II: Single and Combined Bacterial Infections Across Multiple Cropping Systems: Risks, Preparation and Mitigation’.

This project aims to understand the biology and risks that bacterial pathogens and planthopper vectors pose to UK food security. The research will focus on the native reed planthopper (Pentastiridius leporinus) and its role as a vector of Syndrome Bases Richesses (SBR), currently at epidemic levels in European potato and sugar beet. This will include biological and molecular analysis of host adaptation in P. leporinus and investigation of gene flow in UK populations of this species. Thus, the project offers the potential to make both major fundamental advances leading to high impact publications while delivering applied impact that will protect key UK crops.

The successful applicant will conduct a range of biological, molecular and bioinformatic analyses. These will include analysis of next-generation sequencing data - both transcriptomic and population genomic analyses, DNA and RNA extraction, insect rearing and RNA interference. The post-holder will also contribute to other activities in the Bass lab.

About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate: The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to insert skills and knowledge required.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in a related field of study 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.

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.

Advertising End Date: 15 Nov 2026.

Further information
Please contact Chris Bass, c.bass@exeter.ac.uk.

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