Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Postdoctoral Research Officer in the field of insect evolutionary ecology and their responses to invasive species working in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Bangor University. The successful applicant will join a thriving and diverse community of scholars undertaking world-leading research in evolutionary ecology and ecological genomics.
Duties will include: extensive fieldwork quantifying herbivory; collecting and identifying insects found on Rhododendron ponticum; preparation of samples for DNA extraction and sequencing; lab experiments using insect systems; analysis of genomic data; liaising with local stakeholders and landowners; attending meetings with funders and conferences to disseminate results; and the preparation of manuscripts for publications.
Candidates should possess a PhD (or be near completion) in evolutionary ecology or ecological genetics, or a related discipline, preferably with expertise in plant-insect interactions and the analysis of genomic datasets.
The successful candidate will be expected to commence on 1^st July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and the post is available until 30^th June 2028.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.

Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.

Closing date for applications: 05 June 2026

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Dr Benjamin Jarrett, Lecturer, b.jarrett@bangor.ac.uk

Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

The College of Science and Engineering at Bangor University is one of the leading centres in the UK for teaching and research in a range of science subjects. With over 2,500 students and 350 academic, technical and administrative staff, the College consists of three academic schools: Environmental and Natural Sciences; Ocean Sciences; and Computer Science & Engineering.

The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences conducts world-leading research and teaching across a diverse range of topics including microbiology, public health, zoology, biology, forestry, geography, agriculture and conservation.

With Bangor University being based in stunning North Wales the school is the obvious choice for students and researchers interested in the natural world and environment. Alongside having the forests and mountains of Snowdonia, and the cliffs and sandy beaches of Anglesey on our doorstep, the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences also boasts cutting-edge laboratories and analysis equipment, a botanic garden, research farm, animal care facilities, aquariums, growth rooms and greenhouses, and a natural history museum.

The Project

Combatting Rhododendron using native natural enemies

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.

Invasive species represent a major global challenge, threatening biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and economic sustainability. In the UK, Rhododendron ponticum is recognised as one of the most damaging invasive plant species, disrupting native woodland communities, preventing oak regeneration, and incurring substantial management costs.

This project seeks to develop an innovative and environmentally responsible approach to invasive species management by identifying and characterising UK-native herbivorous insects that are adapting to feed on Rhododendron. Rather than relying on classical biological control via introduced species, this work focuses on so-called “next-generation” biocontrol, harnessing the adaptive potential of native natural enemies already embedded within local ecosystems.

The project will combine field ecology, phenotypic experiments, and population genomics to uncover the mechanisms underlying herbivore adaptation to Rhododendron. If locally adapted species or traits are identified, the research will provide a foundation for future targeted management strategies, including selective breeding and genomic optimisation under controlled scenarios.

The Postdoctoral Research Officer will join a vibrant research community as part of the Behaviour, Ecology, and Physiology (https://www.bangor.ac.uk/sens/beps-at-bangor) and Molecular Ecology and Evolution groups (https://www.bangor.ac.uk/meeb). The postholder will report to Dr Benjamin Jarrett.

Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Research Officer will undertake the following research tasks:

Perform herbivory surveys across Rhododendron populations across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Collect and identify invertebrates associated with Rhododendron non-destructively using a diversity of collection techniques.
Manage the collection of insects and catalogue them.
Maintain insect populations in the lab for fitness assays on different host plants, including Rhododendron.
Grow a diversity of plants in the greenhouses for use in said experiments.
Extract DNA from field samples and prepare samples for sequencing.
Undertake analysis of phenotypic and genomic data.
Assist with supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
Assist the PI with management of the project and interactions with the funding body and local stakeholders.
Preparation of reports and publications of manuscripts.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To conduct and complete the deliverables relating to the research programme described above by participating in research, data collection, lab work, computational analysis of data, molecular biological laboratory analysis of samples, taking part in scientific literature searches, preparing manuscripts and project reports, and participating in other duties as required for successful completion of the project. In addition to assisting in the design and implementation of research / assisting in the statistical analysis of data.

To work as part of the research team in delivering research outcomes. This could include: contributing towards the creation of reports and publication in research journals / helping in the preparation of materials for presentation to conferences / supporting the research team in the presentation of research outcomes to internal and external stakeholders as part of knowledge transfer / assisting with the delivery of the project’s communication and dissemination plan / assisting with stakeholder engagement and outreach / taking part in the organisation of events and seminars to disseminate information.

To assist and support in the administration of the research project. Including; arranging research related meetings / circulating information /collecting and completing research related timesheet, compiling information for review documents to the funder.

To assist and take part in research team discussions / entering data and preparing reports in order to monitor research project finance / assist in the preparation and proposals for research funding.

To advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research project.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

A PhD (or near completion) in evolutionary ecology, ecological genetics, or a related discipline.
A research background in some of the following areas: plant-insect interactions, invasive species, genomics, statistical analysis of large datasets.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

Previous experience in basic molecular techniques like DNA extraction, analysis of genomic datasets.
Track record of publications in quality journals and/or conference presentations.
Relevant information in the areas of plant-insect interactions, rapid adaptation, invasion biology, and ecological genetics.
Field experience in herbivory or insect communities.
Lab experience at rearing and breeding insects.

Desirable

Expertise in quantifying herbivory and insect community structure.
Experience of coordinating with local stakeholders for outreach and research activities.

Skills/Abilities

Essential

Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.
Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team.
Good interpersonal skills.
A valid driving licence for accessing sometimes remote sites.

Desirable

Demonstrate proven project management skills.
Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, and R.
An understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and the local area, especially considering fieldwork will be in Welsh-speaking areas.

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.

Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

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Postdoctoral Research Officer