Last Date: 17/12/2023.
Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences is primed to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems. Students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact on the sustainability of our environment and society. Our programmes are grouped into three subject areas: inspiring change for a more sustainable future with biological sciences; protecting the diversity of marine life on our planet with marine biology; and exploring, understanding and protecting our ocean systems with marine science. With many amazing ecosystems right on our doorstep, Plymouth boasts one of the highest concentrations of world-leading marine scientists in Europe and benefits from world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station and LABplus.
We are looking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Learning in sea anemones, a multidimensional reaction norm approach
Consistent among individual behavioural differences (aka ‘animal personality’) have been found in a wide array of animals and in this project we will investigate how and why learning may differ across individuals, using the beadlet sea anemone as a model system. We will study learning within a framework of multidimensional behavioural plasticity, aiming to understand how genes and the environment may interact to cause covariation between habituation rates and other forms of behavioural plasticity including contest behaviour. We will generate rich data sets by combining high-throughput behavioural phenotyping with cutting edge genotying by sequencing.
Essential requirements are a PhD in animal behaviour, behavioural ecology or a related field, including experience of conducting behavioural experiments. Experience of working with SNP data, computer vision and machine learning, or multilevel modelling would also be desirable but is not essential. The BBSRC funded project will be based at University of Plymouth in collaboration with Exeter University. It will primarily involve laboratory based experiments but some field work will also be required.
There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.
This role will require an Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Mark Briffa by email at [email protected].
Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 15th January 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 36 months due to funding.
Flexible working options including job share will be considered.
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.
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