Postdoctoral Research Associate

Salary

The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

36.5

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Research

11/02/2026

Q13044

This full‑time post is available from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2027 on a fixed‑term basis. The role is based within Physical Geography in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

Hybrid working can be supported where compatible with research requirements.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position will support an exciting research programme investigating the microbial mechanisms responsible for carbon sequestration and storage in agricultural soils. You will develop and deploy next‑generation sequencing (NGS) and controlled‑atmosphere techniques to identify the microbes and processes underpinning soil carbon dynamics. You will work closely with an industrial sponsor and programme partners, contributing to experimental design, microbial community analysis, and laboratory and field studies.

The role offers access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities, including controlled‑atmosphere growth chambers. The post also provides excellent opportunities for publishing, developing independent research ideas, and contributing to broader interdisciplinary collaborations.

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant.

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Richard Tennant () for informal discussion. Interviews are likely to be very soon after the closing date.