Associate Professor of Animal Biology

University of Leeds - School of Biology

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for elements of the job to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious and experienced biologist with the motivation to carry out world-leading research and deliver an exceptional student experience in a research-intensive Russell Group University?

This role offers the opportunity to further develop your career within one of the UK’s leading research institutions, working as part of a supportive and interdisciplinary community within the School of Biology.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will lead research and teaching activity in one or more of the following priority areas, contributing to and enhancing our research strengths in animal development, behaviour, physiology, zoology and in ecology and evolutionary biology within the School of Biology.

• Integrative animal/organismal biology, vertebrate physiology, parasitology or disease
• Animal genetics, nutrition, ageing or welfare (especially in pig systems)
• Data-driven and evolutionary biology, encompassing animal-focused genomics, data-driven biology or evolutionary computational biology, including research with applications in health, One Health, agriculture, biodiversity or conservation
• Host–environment or host–microbiome interactions, focusing on how environmental, ecological, or microbial factors shape animal biology, behaviour, adaptation, or health, with an emphasis on the host organism

Your role will be instrumental in expanding our Faculty's strategic research priorities by enhancing our core expertise through innovative research and collaboration. You will be expected to actively develop and maintain a growing network of local, national, and international contacts across academia, industry, conservation, and policy sectors. Your work will have the potential to bridge fundamental and applied research, consistent with our focus on producing science that has tangible impacts in the real world.

You will also contribute significantly to the development of outstanding graduates and scholars through inclusive, innovative teaching and compassionate mentorship, while leading rigorous, ground‑breaking research in your field with integrity and professionalism, and fostering a positive, supportive and inclusive research culture.

The primary criterion for your appointment will be demonstrated academic excellence. As a valued member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment, contributing to our vision of sustainable and impactful research.

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Stefan Kepinski, Head of School, School of Biology
Email: s.kepinski@leeds.ac.uk