Job Details
* Job Number: BU04025
* School/Department: School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,249 – £45,413 per annum (Grade 7)
* Contract Duration: until 30/06/2028
* Responsible to: Lecturer
* Closing Date: 05 June 2026
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
* Perform herbivory surveys across Rhododendron populations in Snowdonia National Park.
* Collect and identify invertebrates associated with Rhododendron non‑destructively using a variety 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 greenhouses for use in 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 PI with management of the project and interactions with the funding body and local stakeholders.
* Preparation of reports and manuscript publications.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct and complete deliverables relating to the research programme by participating in research, data collection, lab work, computational analysis, molecular biological laboratory analysis, literature searches, manuscript preparation, project reports, and other duties as required for successful completion of the project. Include design and implementation of research and statistical analysis of data.
* Work as part of the research team to deliver research outcomes: contribute to reports and publications, prepare materials for conferences, support dissemination, assist with stakeholder engagement, and participate in organising events and seminars.
* Assist and support administration of the research project: arrange meetings, circulate information, complete timesheets, compile documents for the funder.
* Participate in team discussions, enter data, and prepare financial monitoring reports; assist in proposals for further research funding.
* Advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research project.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
* Participate in performance review and developmental activities.
* Comply with the University’s equality policies, Dignity at Work, Study Policy, and Welsh Language Scheme.
* Fulfil general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment, and complying with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
* Adhere to relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* A PhD (or near completion) in evolutionary ecology, ecological genetics, or a related discipline.
* A research background in plant‑insect interactions, invasive species, genomics, and statistical analysis of large datasets.
Experience/Knowledge
* Previous experience in basic molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and analysis of genomic datasets.
* Track record of publications in quality journals and/or conference presentations.
* Relevant information in plant‑insect interactions, rapid adaptation, invasion biology, and ecological genetics.
* Field experience in herbivory or insect communities.
* Lab experience at rearing and breeding insects.
Desirable
* Expertise in quantifying herbivory and insect community structure.
* Experience coordinating with local stakeholders for outreach and research activities.
* Proven project management skills.
* Good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, and R.
* Understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and local area, especially for fieldwork in Welsh‑speaking regions.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We attract, develop and retain a diverse range of staff from all backgrounds and strive to build a workforce that reflects the community. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language and comply with the Welsh Language Standards. All offers are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and receipt of satisfactory references.
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