"Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services"

University of Southampton - School of Biological Sciences

Location:	Southampton
Salary:	£41,064 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:	24th February 2026
Closes:	30th March 2026
Job Ref:	3347626BJ

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. The School hosts a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community addressing global challenges at the interface of biodiversity, agriculture, and society. You will work on a Leverhulme Trust–funded project investigating the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano in Mexico. The project integrates bat ecology, cave ecosystems, and social science to understand how this under-recognised natural resource supports agriculture and rural livelihoods, and how it can be managed sustainably.

The role

The post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust as part of the project “Quantifying the socio-economic consequences of losing bat guano services”, led by Dr Veronica Zamora-Gutierrez (v.zamora-gutierrez@soton.ac.uk).

The position is fixed for 36 months (3 years).

The postholder will lead research on bat ecology & the socio-economic dimensions of guano extraction and use. This will include monitoring bat colonies, assessing guano production, engaging with local stakeholders, and contributing to value-chain and governance analyses. The role involves extended fieldwork in Mexico and close collaboration with UK- and Mexico-based partners, conservation organisations, & government agencies. You will contribute to high-quality academic publications, policy-relevant outputs, and stakeholder engagement activities.

About you

You will hold a completed PhD in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, environmental economics, or a related discipline. You will have experience in field-based research and a strong interest in bats, ecology and/or socio-ecological systems. You will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and engaging with non-academic stakeholders.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports. Spanish language skills are desirable or willingness to learn. You should be willing and able to undertake extended international fieldwork and work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.

You will be based at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, in a dynamic and well-connected coastal city.

What we can offer you

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

If you wish to discuss the role in more detail, please email: Dr. Veronica Zamora-Gutierrez (v.zamora-gutierrez@soton.ac.uk).

Working at the University of Southampton: Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton.

Further details:

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect & equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students & open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.