Postdoctoral Career Development Fellow

Contract type

Fixed term (2 years in the first instance)

Location

The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

Hours: 37 hours per week (Full time)

About the role

MBA scientists are addressing the most important questions facing our marine environment through a diverse programme of fundamental and applied research (www.mba.ac.uk ). A core part of the MBA science programme is the development opportunity and support for outstanding postdoctoral-level researchers to become independent research group leaders. We are seeking to appoint a new MBA Postdoctoral Career Development Fellow to develop an independent research group in an area of marine biology that will complement our science programme. The primary focus of the MBA Postdoctoral Career Development Fellow will be to secure external fellowship funding (e.g. Royal Society URF, UKRI FLF).

The primary focus of the MBA Postdoctoral Career Development Fellow will be to secure external fellowship funding (e.g. Royal Society URF, UKRI FLF). Once funding is secured, within the role they will develop to provide strategic and scientific direction to a team of researchers, leading the development and execution of innovative research projects while fostering a collaborative, productive and inclusive environment. Responsible for defining the group’s research vision, securing funding, managing resources, mentoring team members, and ensuring high-quality scientific outputs. Build partnerships at the MBA and with appropriate external stakeholders. Support the delivery of the MBA Strategy. Leverage experience to help support and train the next generation of marine scientists through teaching and supervision. Promote the visibility and impact of the group’s work and wider MBA scientific community through publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

Essential experience/skills/qualifications:

• Be a visionary discovery scientist in a marine biology related discipline.

• Have an excellent track-record of research commensurate with career stage.

• Hold a PhD in a relevant subject area plus postdoctoral research experience.

• Have an excellent track-record of publications commensurate with career stage.

• Have experience of relevant and contemporary marine biology related research methodologies.

• Have a track-record of science communication commensurate with career stage (e.g. conference presentations).

• Familiarity with data management and FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) principles.

• Experience of health, safety and regulatory compliance (e.g. COSHH)

Desirable experience/skills/qualifications:

• Teaching and/or student research project experience.

• Experience of delivering innovative scientific outreach, communication and policy engagement.

• Experience with data management and FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) principles.

For the full job description and further application details on required application documents please see our website

For further information, please contact Professor Michael Cunliffe [email protected]

To Apply

Please email [email protected] quoting reference 0925PCDF. You will need to provide the following to apply:

1. Covering letter that summarises your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role (1 page max.). The covering letter should include confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. Please include your date of birth along with Share Code where required.
2. CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer) (3 pages max.). References will not be sought in advance.
3. Research statement (4 pages max.). See website for further information.
4. List of key outputs. See website for further information.

Your application will not be considered without this information.

Closing Date 15th October 2025

Interviews will take place week commencing 10 November at the MBA in Plymouth.