College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Postdoctoral Research Associate in ecology and wildlife management - Industrial Impact Fellow (Agri-tech Cornwall and Isles of Scilly)
This is a full time post available immediately until the 31st of December 2019 in the College of Life and Environmental Science, within the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) on the Penryn Campus
About the role
Exeter University is looking to appoint either a Postdoctoral Research Associate, or Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This is a full time post available immediately until 31st December 2019 and is part of a project involving the University of Exeter, in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, within the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) on the Penryn Campus. It is funded through the European Regional Development Fund and forms part of the European Strategic investment framework for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
We are seeking a research ecologist to lead development of innovative solutions to mitigating the impacts of starlings on the farmed environment, specifically dairy farms. The successful applicant will lead a project gauging the impact of starlings on farms, and will work with partners in the USA to evaluate sonic deterrents to reduce their impact.
Dairy farming is a major part of the Cornish economy. Although cattle usually graze outdoors, they tend to be housed in large barns/sheds over winter. At this time their environment can be severely affected by flocks of tens of thousands of starlings that fly into the barns/sheds to take cattle feed. The starlings can severely deplete cattle feed supplies, defecate in the barn and cause a nuisance for farm workers.
About you
Experience in avian ecology is essential and a track-record of wildlife management research is desirable, alongside the ability to identify ways in which this research can deliver business impact within the region's agritech sector.
The post is offered with a salary range to reflect prospective applicant's skills and experience. Please clearly state the grade of post to which you are applying.
To view the Job Description and Person Specification document please click here.
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
- 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 new Fertility Treatment Policy
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall
The University of Exeter is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities. We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, and have achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017. The University of Exeter has over 22,000 students and 4600 staff from 180 different countries and has been rated the WhatUni2017 International Student Choice. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, with 98% of our research rated as being of international quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Professor Robbie McDonald, Professor of Natural Environment, telephone (01326 255720) or email R.McDonald@exeter.ac.uk
The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer, an Athena Swan accredited institution and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
