Andy Young

University of Exeter is recruiting 2 Postdoctoral Research Associates / Fellows for a NERC Large Grant project in evolutionary genomics , host-pathogen interactions , and the evolutionary ecology of senescence . The project uses one of the world’s most comprehensive wildlife disease datasets: a 50-year longitudinal study of European badgers and bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the UK. The research integrates infection history, life-history traits, behaviour, movement, physiology, immunology, fitness outcomes, and whole-genome sequencing data from over 2,500 individuals. The postdoctoral researchers will join an interdisciplinary team spanning the University of Exeter, University of Sheffield, University of Edinburgh, and partners including APHA, DEFRA, and the Office for Environmental Protection. The base is the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, offering a collaborative environment and strong career development support. This is a research job opening rather than a degree studentship. The positions are for 4 years and 3.5 years respectively, with salaries starting from £36,636–£39,906 for PDRA and £43,482–£48,822 for PDRF. Applicants should review the Person Specification in the vacancy adverts and explain clearly how they meet the criteria. The application deadline is 30 June 2026 , with interviews expected in July/August 2026 online. Start date is 1 October 2026, with some flexibility.