Research Associate

Description:

The University of Sheffield seeks a Research Associate to join their dynamic Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Research Cluster in the School of Biosciences. The role focuses on evolutionary biology and population genetics, specifically studying reproductive success in threatened bird populations. This position combines field-based experiments, observational studies, long-term population monitoring, laboratory analyses, and quantitative genetics.

The successful candidate will utilize their quantitative genetics skills and data analysis expertise to study reproductive trade-offs in a bird population using long-term breeding and pedigree data. This role involves collaboration with researchers at institutions like the Zoological Society of London and the University of Auckland.

You will be expected to manage your research, carry out data collection, develop research methodologies, test hypotheses, write scientific reports and journal articles, and contribute to conferences and workshops. The role also involves managing the project’s reporting requirements and assisting in generating research income.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in evolutionary biology and population genetics.

• Manage research activities, including small-scale project management.

• Collect and store data responsibly.

• Review relevant literature.

• Develop research methodologies.

• Test hypotheses and analyze scientific data.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners.

• Write scientific reports and contribute to publications.

• Contribute to conferences and workshops.

• Support project reporting and financial monitoring.

• Generate ideas for new research projects.

• Assist with ad-hoc teaching responsibilities.

• Promote equality, diversity, and sustainability within the research environment.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• PhD/DPhil (or equivalent postdoctoral work) in Evolutionary Biology, Population Genetics, or a related discipline.

• Expertise in quantitative genetics and experience working with long-term population monitoring data.

• Proficiency in R for data analysis.

• Experience in publishing scientific papers and presenting at conferences.

• Strong independent problem-solving skills and project management experience.

• Ability to contribute to research proposals and grant applications.

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of reproductive biology and behavior in egg-laying vertebrates.

• Experience working with collaborative research groups on publications.

Work Arrangement: Full-time (part-time and/or flexible options including hybrid work considered)

Duration: 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2027

Closing Date: 15 May 2025

How to Apply: For informal inquiries, contact Dr Nicola Hemmings, Senior Research Fellow at n.hemmings@sheffield.ac.uk. The selection process will involve a remote interview, including a 10-minute presentation on a previous research project.

Additional Benefits:

• 41 days of annual leave (pro-rata), with the option to purchase more.

• Generous pension scheme.

• Flexible working options, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Discounts on shopping, travel, and dining.

• Access to staff networks for social and professional development.

• Family-friendly policies and support for fertility treatments and parenting emergencies.