Department of Biological Science
Location: Egham
Salary: £39,233 to £43,866 per annum - including London Allowance
Fixed Term
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 03 October 2023
Reference: 0923-419

Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 24 months

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.

We are seeking a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Assistant, starting in January 2024, to join the research team responsible for implementing WildPosh, a European-funded consortium project that seeks to evaluate the risks of exposure of wild pollinators to pesticides across Europe. This project will involve contributors across multiple countries that include academics and industry partners, and is expected to make major contributions to shaping environmental risk assessment of plant protection products at EU and national levels. The postholder will be based within the research teams of Professor Mark Brown and Professor Elli Leadbeater, and will be responsible for developing, reviewing and implementing field methods for collection of nectar and pollen from a wide range of plant species, including work with live bees. They will also manage a network of other laboratories that will perform matched experiments across Europe. The post is an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist with a strong interest in pollinator conservation and applied policy and practice. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant subject area within the Biological Sciences (at or near completion), and a strong record of publication within their subject area as appropriate to career stage. A full clean driving licence that is valid in the UK is essential. Experience of ecological fieldwork is essential, as is experience of work with flowers or flower-visiting insects. Knowledge of GIS systems would be an advantage. A record of working with external collaborators is desirable, and evidence of strong project management skills will be important. We are seeking a researcher who will contribute actively to our departmental community through participation in research activity, research seminars, lab meetings, mentorship initiatives and outreach. The postholder will be expected to be available to travel to consortium meetings across Europe and international conferences, and must be available to complete fieldwork in the SouthEast of England that may involve residential stays away from home. 

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London. It is not suitable for hybrid working.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Mark Brown and Elli Leadbeater (Mark.Brown@rhul.ac.uk; Elli.Leadbeater@rhul.ac.uk). Applicants are strongly advised to get in contact before submitting an application.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk 

Please quote the reference: 0923-418

Closing Date:   23:59, 29^th September 2023  

Interview Date: Week beginning 16^th October 2023

Further details:    Job Description & Person Specification    

This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.