This Royal Society funded full-time post is available from 7th September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed‑term basis until 30th August 2030.
The starting salary will be from £34,610 (E26) to £39,906 (E31) on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and at £43,482 (F34) on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part‑time hours or job‑sharing arrangements.
The Role
The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison) in the Cognition and Conservation Group in Penryn, Cornwall. The successful applicant will work with Dr Miller (the Principal Investigator) on her Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship project “Understanding the role of individual cognitive variation in reintroduction biology”. The post will include captive and field‑based conservation, ecological, behavioural and cognitive research, primarily with birds, interdisciplinary collaborations, co‑supervision of students and junior researchers, and contributing to project impact, including generating evidence‑based guidelines for captive management and reintroduction programmes.
About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Able to present information on research progress and outcomes and communicate complex information, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be near completion for Associate) or an equivalent qualification/experience in conservation, ecology, comparative psychology, cognitive biology or a related field of study. They will be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge (Associate) or be a nationally recognised authority (Fellow) in the discipline, research methods and techniques to work within (Associate) or develop (Fellow) established research programmes.
Applicants will be able to demonstrate interest and expertise in conservation and ecology (essential), cognition and behaviour (desirable) research with animals, using experiments and/or observations, in field (essential) and/or captive (desirable) settings, ideally with birds. They should demonstrate experience of conducting and completing research from idea conception to publication and presentations, with experience in data management and statistical analysis. They should demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork and collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. Desirable skills include:
* knowledge of ecological tools and field‑relevant equipment (e.g. RFID, GPS tracking)
* analytical tools (e.g. GIS, mixed modelling)
* experience creating impact beyond academia (e.g. policy or industry)
* zoo/ industry experience
* knowledge of Open Science practices
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you
* Freedom (and support) to pursue intellectual interests and 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 Cornwall
Further information
Please contact Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison), r.miller7@exeter.ac.uk (www.drrachaelmiller.com).
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