Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Summary
*** INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY PLEASE
*** We’re looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join ExCASES, an interdisciplinary research team within the RENEW programme. This is a major NERC-funded partnership between the University of Exeter and the National Trust. Together, we develop evidence-based approaches that support biodiversity renewal and inform real-world decision-making. This is a fixed term contract from September 2026 to July 2027. We are willing to consider combining the fellowship with other secured funding and part time working.
It's Like To Work Here
Our goal is to develop evidence-based, impactful solutions that align with societal priorities and enable meaningful change. In this role, you’ll work with colleagues across disciplines to synthesise evidence, evaluate emerging and established approaches, and communicate insights that inform decision-making and real-world action. Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office as well as periodic travel for stakeholder engagement and collaborative activities.
However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.
You’ll lead the development and delivery of ExCASE missions, using mixed-method research to gather insights, assess evidence, and identify stakeholder priorities. Working independently and collaboratively, you’ll design mission approaches and help develop practical, solution-focused outcomes. You’ll also support the operational delivery of missions, coordinating partnerships, communications, reporting, and project administration to ensure activities run effectively and deliver meaningful outcomes for biodiversity renewal.
Examples of our work can be found here. Key areas of interest include social-ecological innovation, nature-based solutions for climate resilience and public health, environmental governance and justice, and the use of data and technology in conservation. Emerging themes include rights of nature, equitable access to biodiversity, and sustainable seafood systems. You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached.
You don’t need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
- Strong research expertise, including the ability to develop and apply appropriate methodologies and a track record of high-quality publications.
- Experience managing and delivering research or innovation projects, including planning, coordination and reporting.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences.
- Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines, organisations and sectors, building effective partnerships and professional networks.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance research, administration and competing priorities.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and experience engaging stakeholders to support collaborative outcomes.
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National…
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