Job profile

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences

Renewable Energy / Ecology and Conservation

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university that combines world-class research with very high levels of student satisfaction. Exeter has over 21,000 students from more than 130 different countries and is in the top 1% of universities in the world with 98% of its research rated as being of international quality. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. 

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the work of Prof Dave Hodgson and Prof Lars Johanning on a research project funded by BBSRC and Innovate UK. The project aims to determine the environmental and economic potential of in-sea aquaculture of European lobsters. This full-time post is available 1 September 2017 for 12 months. 

The project will support the analysis of evidence based environmental information and development of predictive tools that will demonstrate the reliance of lobster biology on environmental parameters, help to optimise deployment strategies, de-risk future operations, and predict the survival and growth of European lobsters Homarus gammarus in farming conditions at sea. The predictive tools form a critical module that will feed into an aqua-economic model, allowing the determination of economically viable management and deployment strategies through demonstration of the reliance of lobster biology on environmental parameters, deployment strategies, and hydrodynamic conditions. The post will include the delivery of these statistical tools, and also involve the modelling of environmental parameters that influence lobster development, and environmental by-products of lobster production.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. At Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, the successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in crustacean biology or aquaculture, with skills in statistical modelling; and be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. The successful applicant will also be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically, and develop research programmes and methodologies. 

The successful candidate will be appointed at Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grade E) or Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Grade F) depending on the skills and experience the individual can bring to the role. Candidates should demonstrate their achievement against the relevant criteria in the accompanying person specifications which will be used to make an appointment at an appropriate level. Starting salaries at the appropriate grade are:

Postdoctoral Research Associate on Grade E from GBP 28,452 - GBP 32,958 per annum

Postdoctoral Research Fellow on Grade F salary will be GBP 33,943 per annum

The University offers some fantastic benefits including 41 days leave per year, options for flexible working, numerous discounts at leading retailers, an onsite gym, free yoga and pilates, a cycle to work scheme and a stunning campus environment in the heart of Exeter.  If you are not currently in Exeter please have a look at our website (www.exeter.ac.uk/thesouthwest) for some further information on what a beautiful part of the country we are based in.

To view the Job Description and Person Specification document please click here 

For further information please contact Professor Lars Johanning on l.johanning@exeter.ac.uk or 01326 2537300 or Professor Dave Hodgson on d.j.hodgson@ex.ac.uk or 01326 371829.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer which is 'Positive about Disabled People'. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

The department is proud to have a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of their commitment to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects. All of the University of Exeter's STEM/M departments hold an Athena SWAN award.