Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant

This part-time (0.4 FTE) post is available from 3rd August 2026. This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by NERC until 31 October 2028. Salary will be £33,951 per annum pro rata on Grade E subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

Please note that applications for the role will be considered at a higher FTE over a shorter contract length, subject to approval. Please indicate on your application if you would be interested in this.

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Associate to support the work of Prof. Darren Croft. The successful applicant will assist with the collection and analysis of video and photographic material in collaboration with the Center for Whale Research on the Southern Resident killer whales.

The post will include undertaking a broad range of basic research activity according to the nature of the research project. This may involve preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, developing questionnaires and conducting surveys, using straightforward mathematical modelling, statistical techniques or scientific computation.

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification or experience in a related field of study, and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information:
Please contact Darren Croft, Professor of Behavioural Ecology,

We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities.

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports 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/Cornwall.

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at  You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.