Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter - Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Location: Streatham Campus, Exeter

Salary: From £43,482 Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 13th January 2026

Closes: 1st February 2026

Job Ref: Q13045

Salary Details
The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F34, depending on qualifications and experience.

Package Details
The above full-time (1.0 FTE) post is available from 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2029 on a fixed-term basis, within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

The post
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the BBSRC-funded sLoLa (strategic Longer and Larger grant) project “CircadiAgeing: Clock excitability, circadian rhythms and healthy ageing”. The CircadiAgeing project explores how disruptions in circadian rhythms, the natural 24-hour cycles of physiological and behavioural patterns, contribute to ageing and related health issues. This project is in partnership with the University of Bristol, King’s College London, University of Manchester and Imperial College.

This role involves computational modelling and experimental data analysis, integrating mathematical models of clock neurons and populations with in-vitro and in-vivo electrophysiology and populations’ activity data to gain mechanistic insight into how disruptions in circadian rhythms, the natural 24-hour cycles of physiological and behavioural patterns, contribute to ageing and related health issues. Focusing on both the well-known molecular clock and the less understood membrane-based mechanisms that mediate daily changes in cell excitability, this crucial project aims to uncover how these clocks weaken synergistically with age, impacting our overall health.

About you
Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in mathematics or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have an extensive knowledge of dynamical systems, computational neuroscience and data science. In addition, we expect the candidate to have:

• Experience of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• A collaborative mindset, clear communication skills, and enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
• The ability to work independently and familiarity with recent relevant scientific literature.
• Excellent programming skills in at least one of the following (Python, MATLAB, Julia).

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role, by clicking the 'Apply' button.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information
For further information please contact Prof Krasimira Tsaneva, email k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is 1st February 2026 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place on w/c 16th or 23rd February 2026.