Research Associate in Photosymbiosis and Animal Behaviour

University of Bristol - Biological Sciences

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join Vengamanaidu Modepalli’s group to conduct research on the HFSP-funded project “Plant-like solar tracking in a photosymbiotic animal”. The project is for 3 years, and it is in collaboration with the Assoc. Prof. Katherina Petrou from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. The successful candidate will work with the photosymbiotic sea anemone to uncover how endosymbiotic algae communicate with and influence host nervous systems. You will join a collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art molecular, aquarium, imaging, and omics facilities.

Project description:

Among marine invertebrates, many have formed mutualistic symbioses with photosynthetic partners, such as algae. In this relationship, the animal provides protection and nutrients, and in exchange, the algae provide energy through photosynthesis. This partnership is highly prevalent in corals and sea anemones, underpinning the productivity and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems. Researchers have observed that marine animals living in symbiosis with photosynthetic algae, such as sea anemones, move in response to light (https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.250242).

While the survival of both organisms relies on a mutually beneficial partnership, little is known about their communication or the signal driving these intriguing light-driven behaviours. Our proposed research will explore the mechanisms that connect algal photosynthesis with animal behaviour. We will do this by investigating the host nervous system and the physiology and metabolism of the photosynthetic algae. We will conduct experiments to explain how photosynthetic partners influence the behaviour of their hosts in order to gain a new understanding of this fascinating process, providing new insights into the fundamentals of the photosymbiotic relationship in animals.

What will you be doing?

• To plan and conduct lab and aquarium experiments in line with the main goals of the project
• To disseminate findings by presenting results at national and international conferences
• To prepare research manuscripts for publication
• To participate in outreach events

You should apply if

Essential Experience

• Strong practical experience in at least one of the following:
  • Confocal or live-cell fluorescence imaging
  • Molecular cloning and transgenesis
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing or transcriptomic analyses
  • Experience in marine invertebrate model systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, and analyse complex experiments.

Desirable Experience

• A strong publication track record commensurate with career stage.
• Experience working with cnidarians, photosymbiosis, or host–algae interactions.
• Familiarity with neurophysiology, biosensors, or neuronal imaging.
• Skills in bioinformatics.
• Experience with animal behaviour assays.

Personal Qualities

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for understanding fundamental biological mechanisms.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills within multidisciplinary environments.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding for 3 years)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 18th March 2026

For informal queries please contact:

Dr Vengamanaidu Modepalli, Lecturer, via email: vengamanaidu.modepalli@bristol.ac.uk