Job Number
BU04025
School/Department
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Grade
7
Contract Duration
until 30/06/2028
Responsible to
Lecturer
Overview
The College of Science and Engineering at Bangor University is one of the leading centres in the UK for teaching and research in a range of science subjects. With over 2,500 students and 350 academic, technical and administrative staff, the College consists of three academic schools: Environmental and Natural Sciences; Ocean Sciences; and Computer Science & Engineering.
The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences conducts world-leading research and teaching across a diverse range of topics including microbiology, public health, zoology, biology, forestry, geography, agriculture and conservation.
With Bangor University being based in stunning North Wales the school is the obvious choice for students and researchers interested in the natural world and environment. Alongside having the forests and mountains of Snowdonia, and the cliffs and sandy beaches of Anglesey on our doorstep, the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences also boasts cutting-edge laboratories and analysis equipment, a botanic garden, research farm, animal care facilities, aquariums, growth rooms and greenhouses, and a natural history museum.
The Project
Combatting Rhododendron using native natural enemies
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.
Invasive species represent a major global challenge, threatening biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and economic sustainability. In the UK, Rhododendron ponticum is recognised as one of the most damaging invasive plant species, disrupting native woodland communities, preventing oak regeneration, and incurring substantial management costs.
Purpose of the Job
The Postdoctoral Research Officer will undertake the following research tasks:
1. Perform herbivory surveys across Rhododendron populations across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
2. Collect and identify invertebrates associated with Rhododendron non-destructively using a diversity of collection techniques.
3. Manage the collection of insects and catalogue them.
4. Maintain insect populations in the lab for fitness assays on different host plants, including Rhododendron.
5. Grow a diversity of plants in the greenhouses for use in said experiments.
6. Extract DNA from field samples and prepare samples for sequencing.
7. Undertake analysis of phenotypic and genomic data.
8. Assist with supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
9. Assist the PI with management of the project and interactions with the funding body and local stakeholders.
10. Preparation of reports and publications of manuscripts.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
11. To conduct and complete the deliverables relating to the research programme described above by participating in research, data collection, lab work, computational analysis of data, molecular biological laboratory analysis of samples, taking part in scientific literature searches, preparing manuscripts and project reports, and participating in other duties as required for successful completion of the project. In addition to assisting in the design and implementation of research / assisting in the statistical analysis of data.
12. To work as part of the research team in delivering research outcomes. This could include: contributing towards the creation of reports and publication in research journals / helping in the preparation of materials for presentation to conferences / supporting the research team in the presentation of research outcomes to internal and external stakeholders as part of knowledge transfer / assisting with the delivery of the project’s communication and dissemination plan / assisting with stakeholder engagement and outreach / taking part in the organisation of events and seminars to disseminate information.
13. To assist and support in the administration of the research project. Including; arranging research related meetings / circulating information /collecting and completing research related timesheet, compiling information for review documents to the funder.
14. To assist and take part in research team discussions / entering data and preparing reports in order to monitor research project finance / assist in the preparation and proposals for research funding.
15. To advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research project.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
16. The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
17. The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
18. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
19. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential
20. A PhD (or near completion) in evolutionary ecology, ecological genetics, or a related discipline.
21. A research background in some of the following areas: plant-insect interactions, invasive species, genomics, statistical analysis of large datasets.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
22. Previous experience in basic molecular techniques like DNA extraction, analysis of genomic datasets.
23. Track record of publications in quality journals and/or conference presentations.
24. Relevant information in the areas of plant-insect interactions, rapid adaptation, invasion biology, and ecological genetics.
25. Field experience in herbivory or insect communities.
26. Lab experience at rearing and breeding insects.
Desirable
27. Expertise in quantifying herbivory and insect community structure.
28. Experience of coordinating with local stakeholders for outreach and research activities.
Skills/Abilities
Essential
29. Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
30. Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
31. Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.
32. Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team.
33. Good interpersonal skills.
34. A valid driving licence for accessing sometimes remote sites.
Desirable
35. Demonstrate proven project management skills.
36. Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, and R.
37. An understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and the local area, especially considering fieldwork will be in Welsh-speaking areas.
General
We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.
All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.