Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecology and Evolution (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham - Life Sciences

Location:Nottingham Salary:£35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience. Hours:Full Time Contract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract Placed On: 29th January 2026

Closes: 26th February 2026

Job Ref: MED397426

Location: University Park

Salary: £35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Applications are invited for the above post to support the Principal Investigator, Dr Ylenia Chiari, on a funded research project supported by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP). The project aims to investigate the role of epigenetic signatures in adaptation to captivity, with direct conservation applications for aquaculture and conservation, and the potential to advance fundamental understanding of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This project is in collaboration with Mr. Matt Boyer (MFWP) and Dr. Gordon Luikart (University of Montana and Flathead Lake Biological Station).

The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of this programme of work as part of Dr Chiari’s research team within the Cells, Organisms and Molecular Genetics (COMGen) group (COMGen).

The role will primarily involve conducting bioinformatic analyses of existing RNA-sequencing and whole-genome DNA methylation datasets from wild and hatchery fish populations. Depending on securing additional funding, there may also be opportunities to carry out fieldwork in Montana (USA).

We are seeking candidates with demonstrable research experience in the analysis of genomic and methylation data. Experience analyzing transcriptomic data and an interest in evolutionary biology and conservation are highly desirable.

Candidates must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in conservation genomics, evolutionary biology, or a closely related discipline.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position available until 28/02/2027. The start date may be negotiable.

The Chiari Lab (www.yleniachiari.it) investigates the causes and consequences of morphological and physiological variation in vertebrates and conducts research in conservation biology. The lab is committed to promoting diversity and fostering a multicultural research environment, and we strongly encourage applications from researchers from underrepresented groups.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Ylenia Chiari at ylenia.chiari@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.