Research Fellow in Conservation Genomics – Kent

About the Position

The University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the School of Natural Sciences is inviting applications for a Research Fellow in Conservation Genomics. The selected fellow will contribute to a NERC-funded project titled “Genomic signatures of host resistance to virus infection in birds”, led by Prof Jim Groombridge. This exciting project integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and Deep Learning to predict host resistance to circovirus infection in parrots, leveraging ecological, life-history, and genomic datasets. The position offers collaboration with leading experts from the University of East Anglia and the University of Copenhagen. The fellow will engage in fieldwork, transcriptomics, and AI-based genomic modelling within a dynamic interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing conservation genomics.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Fellow in Conservation Genomics
Institution: University of Kent
Department: School of Natural Sciences (DICE)
Research Field: Conservation Genomics, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics
Location: Canterbury, Hybrid (UK)
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term Contract
Start Date (Anticipated): Early 2026
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: £48,149 – £54,136 (Grade 8)
Required Degree: PhD

Research Area

Conservation Genomics
Deep Learning / Artificial Intelligence Modelling
Avian Genomics and Virology
Bioinformatics and Transcriptomics

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in a natural science discipline with focus on genomics or AI/deep learning
Proven bioinformatics skills across genomic applications
Experience in designing and applying Deep Neural Networks for biological data

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in avian systems or host–pathogen interactions
Strong publication record and teamwork in interdisciplinary settings

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute the NERC-funded research project
Perform transcriptomic and genomic analyses using advanced AI models
Build and train Deep Neural Networks for genomic datasets
Publish research results and present findings at international conferences
Mentor postgraduate researchers and contribute to academic development

Application Process

How to Apply:
Apply online through the University of Kent’s recruitment portal by following the instructions provided on the official job page.

Required Documents: