Job Description
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Research Associate in Phylogenetic Comparative
Analyses of Vertebrate Invasion Success
Faculty of Science, School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences
Lecturer in Vertebrate Zoology
Fixed term, 12 months
Academic
6
Research Band 6
N/A
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
The School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Hull offers a rich and diverse research environment that includes the Ecology and Environment
Group and the Evolutionary Biology Group. The University of Hull also offers a comprehensive Staff Development Programme.
The research associate will be a member of the Evolutionary Comparative Ecology Group, led by the Lecturer in Vertebrate Zoology the post is funded for 1 year by a NERC New
Investigator Award, entitled ‘Understanding biological invasions: a phylogenetic comparative approach’. The Evolutionary Comparative Ecology Group offers a dynamic research environment where the post holder will be a member of a team using state of the art phylogenetic comparative approaches to answer an array of fundamental questions in biology and ecology. Using alien (non-native) vertebrates as model organisms and state of the art phylogenetic comparative methods, the project’s goal is to test which biological characteristics promote species success in space and time, as predicted by key hypotheses in macroecology and evolution. The work of the PDRA/RA will extend the results of the paper we recently published (Capellini et al 2015 Ecology Letters ), by either investigating invasion success in fish or ecological species’ traits promoting success in terrestrial vertebrates.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post
Within the broad question of what factors promote vertebrate invasion success at the global scale, the post holder will test the following specific hypotheses of the project:
(i) Do successful invasive fish species have high reproductive rates?
(ii) Are successful invasive vertebrate species ecological generalists?
(iii) Do the traits that promote success differ among vertebrate lineages and among the three main stages of the invasion process (introduction, establishment, spread)?
To test the above hypotheses, the post holder will help completing an extensive database of vertebrate invasion success at the global scale, and species characteristics. To this end, the post-holder will extract data for mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish, from published high quality inventories and peer-reviewed sources on the success and failure of fish
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introductions into non-native regions (we already have completed the data collection for amphibians, reptiles and mammals) and species reproductive and ecological characteristics.
Using this comprehensive database, the post holder will employ cutting edge phylogenetic comparative methods to answer either questions (i) and (iii) or (ii) and (iii), depending on their interest and expertise, and write up the results for publication in high impact peerreviewed journals. The post holder will also contribute to the dissemination of the results to the scientific community through presentation at international conferences and workshops, and to the general public through public lectures and interviews with the media where appropriate. The post-holder is expected to work together with the other PDRA on the project, in constructing, updating and maintaining the project website and project searchable database of vertebrate invasions.
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GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Overall Purpose of the Role
This is an entry level post and may be suitable for those planning to train and develop their research skills so that they may take on a more senior research post in the future.
Research Staff at this level will assist an individual research leader or team to carry out a particular study or studies.
The research assistant will receive close supervision and direction from more senior colleagues and will receive academic, pastoral support and guidance which may include specific training, career counselling and mentoring.
The main focus of the work will involve the generation or collection of data using standard methods which have been developed by others. The role holder will assist with analysis and interpretation of results and the drafting of research reports and publications.
Main Work Activities
1. Pro-actively contribute to the research project and conduct own research to include:
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Gather, prepare, analyse and interpret data
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Conduct literature and database searches
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Write up and present own research results
2. Contribute to the management of research projects to include:
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Contribute to the planning of projects
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Plan own research activity within the framework of the agreed programme
3. Prepare reports and papers describing the results of the research for both internal and external publication to include:
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Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
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Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research
4. Work positively with colleagues in the research team and other collaborators and partners and support staff on routine matters both inside and outside the University
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Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
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Actively participate as a member of the research team which will involve attending and contributing to relevant meetings.
5. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any project students who may be assisting with the research.
6. Demonstrate evidence of own personal and professional development including:
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Appraisal, induction and performance reviews
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Participation in training and development activity
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Maintenance of links with professional institutions and other related bodies
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Additionally the post holder will be required to:
 Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
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Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
 Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
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Specification Essential Desirable Examples Measured by
Education and Training
Formal qualifications and relevant training
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PhD in Biology or related discipline near completion
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BSc in Biology or related discipline
Work Experience
Ability to undertake duties of the post
Skills and Knowledge
Includes abilities and intellect
Personal Qualities
Includes any specific physical requirements of the post – (subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010)
Evidence of:
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Knowledge of modern phylogenetic comparative methods
Evidence of :
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Strong quantitative skills
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Data collection for large databases
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Analysis and interpretation of results
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Drafting research reports and publications
Evidence of:
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Demonstrable ability to work as an effective member of a research team
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Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
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Reliable, responsible, self-motivated and wellorganised
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Working in an open and transparent way, providing information and communicating effectively with colleagues
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PhD in biology or related discipline
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Experience with phylogenetic comparative methods and large datasets
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Experience in testing hypotheses across species in macroecology and phenotypic evolution
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Strong publication record
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Experience in presenting research at international and national conferences
Application
Interview
References
Application
Interview
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Experience with statistical software for phylogenetic comparative methods and/or R
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Skills in creating fully searchable and downloadable database
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Evidence of taking initiative within a scientific setting, leading to improved processes, outputs etc.
Application
Interview
Application
Interview
References
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