Post Doctoral Research Associate

This post is initially for 12 months with the potential of being extended, and offers a unique opportunity to be part of a multi-disciplinary project centred around the sensory ecology and behaviour of benthic and demersal fish.

The role is part of a grant led by University of Liverpool, funded by the Human Frontier Science Programme (HFSP), entitled Vibrational sensing and production in fishes: investigations of the underwater vibroscape. This project, focussed around biotremology and bioacoustics, will delve into the sensory ecology of vocalising fishes to explore a potential new mode of communication and sensing. This includes examining sensory abilities, measuring and analysing the characteristics of fish vocalisations, monitoring behaviour, executing playback experiments, evaluating the vibroacoustic complexity of environments, and developing experimental methods to increase accessibility of this area of research to the wider scientific community.

You will lead, plan, execute and trouble‑shoot field and laboratory experiments under the supervision of project lead Dr Louise Roberts, and work closely with the team of internationally‑recognised project partners with expertise in acoustical oceanography, neurophysiology and animal behaviour (University of Rhode Island, University of Washington and University of Lisbon). Crucially, the project is centred around yearly field seasons (a few months per year) based in dynamic coastal areas in the USA and Portugal, as well as the potential for laboratory work in all locations.

You will align at these locations with the other PIs, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students at the partner institutions which will be associated with the project.

You will join a group of like‑minded researchers with interests focussed around biotremology, bioacoustics, animal behaviour, sensory ecology, and anthropogenic noise. You will also be part of the wider Ecology and Marine Biology group, a strong research group conducting internationally recognised research across land and sea.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.