Overview
Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Postdoctoral Research Officer in the field of insect evolutionary ecology and their responses to invasive species working in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Bangor University. The successful applicant will join a thriving and diverse community of scholars undertaking world-leading research in evolutionary ecology and ecological genomics.
Purpose of the Job
The Postdoctoral Research Officer will undertake the following research tasks:
* Perform herbivory surveys across Rhododendron populations across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
* Collect and identify invertebrates associated with Rhododendron non-destructively using a diversity of collection techniques.
* Manage the collection of insects and catalogue them.
* Maintain insect populations in the lab for fitness assays on different host plants, including Rhododendron.
* Grow a diversity of plants in the greenhouses for use in said experiments.
* Extract DNA from field samples and prepare samples for sequencing.
* Undertake analysis of phenotypic and genomic data.
* Assist with supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
* Assist the principal investigator with management of the project and interactions with the funding body and local stakeholders.
* Prepare reports and manuscripts for publication.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct and complete the deliverables relating to the research programme by participating in research, data collection, lab work, computational analysis of data, molecular biological laboratory analysis of samples, literature searches, preparing manuscripts and project reports, and other duties as required for successful completion of the project. Assist in the design and implementation of research and in the statistical analysis of data.
* Work as part of the research team to deliver outcomes, including contributing to reports and publications, preparing materials for conferences, presenting research to internal and external stakeholders, supporting dissemination plans, stakeholder engagement and outreach, and organising events and seminars.
* Assist with administration of the research project, including arranging meetings, circulating information, and compiling information for review documents to the funder.
* Assist with monitoring research project finance and with proposals for research funding.
* Advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the project.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
* Participate in performance review and developmental activities.
* Comply with the University’s equality policies and the Welsh Language Scheme.
* Maintain health, safety and wellbeing in the work environment and comply with health and safety policies and risk assessments.
* Comply with relevant legal and financial policies and understand the legal requirements of the post.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* A PhD (or near completion) in evolutionary ecology, ecological genetics, or a related discipline.
* A research background in plant-insect interactions, invasive species, genomics, or the analysis of large datasets.
* Experience with basic molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and analysis of genomic data.
* Track record of publications in quality journals and/or conference presentations.
* Field experience in herbivory or insect communities.
* Lab experience in rearing and breeding insects.
Desirable
* Expertise in quantifying herbivory and insect community structure.
* Experience coordinating with local stakeholders for outreach and research activities.
Skills and Abilities
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to analyse numerical data and present results clearly.
* Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
* Ability to work well as part of a team and good interpersonal skills.
* A valid driving licence for accessing sometimes remote sites.
Desirable
* Project management skills.
* Computer skills including MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and R.
* Awareness of the bilingual nature of the institution and fieldwork in Welsh-speaking areas.
Other Information
The project is funded by Advanced Research + Invention Agency. Applications will be considered for remote working within the Dynamic Working framework, with on-site presence in Bangor as required and subject to interview discussion.
Conditions and Compliance
* All offers are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references.
* The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and adheres to Welsh language standards.
* All staff are expected to comply with environmental aims and reduce environmental impact of their activities.
Reminders
Closing date for applications: 05 June 2026. For enquiries, contact Dr Benjamin Jarrett, Lecturer, b.jarrett@bangor.ac.uk.
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