Research Associate/Fellow - Evolutionary Ecology (Fixed Term)

Location: University Park

Salary: £31,387 to £46,485 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £34866 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

An exciting opportunity for a Research Associate in Evolutionary Ecology/Behaviour is available to work with Professors Andrew MacColl and Levi Yant at the University of Nottingham on a NERC funded ‘Pushing the Frontiers’ project, “Migratory behaviour and the persistence of ecotypes” in three-spined stickleback fish. The primary aim of the project is to understand the nature and origin of genomic differences between ecotypes and how these are maintained by mate choice and selection, using a mix of bioinformatic, field and laboratory experiments.

The role holder will investigate ecological and behavioural differences between sympatric saltwater resident and migratory ecotypes of three-spined stickleback in the North Atlantic. This post will involve substantial fieldwork on North Uist in the Scottish Western Isles and sampling trips to other destinations potentially including France, Ireland, Iceland and the USA. The post holder will oversee large experiments to quantify reproductive isolation between the ecotypes and to investigate the genomic basis of mate choice and migratory differences between them, and how these are maintained by selection. They will lead on publishing these results. Essential or desirable skills and experience (see role profile) include ecological fieldwork (especially in aquatic systems/with fish), statistical data analysis (e.g. in R), molecular biology lab skills and familiarity with relevant scientific literature.

Applicants must have, or be very near to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology) and a track record of publishing their research in relevant journals, appropriate to career stage.

The position will be based in the School of Life Sciences, a large, diverse and supportive unit at the University of Nottingham, with diverse opportunities to interact with a wider group of evolutionary biologists and ecologists locally, in the UK, and with European research labs. You will work closely with a postdoctoral research associate studying genomic divergence between the ecotypes.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Andrew MacColl (andrew.maccoll@nottingham.ac.uk) with informal questions, in advance of applying. Applicants with relevant skills are strongly encouraged to apply for both positions.

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract until 2 March 2028. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Advert information