Postdoctoral Research Associate in Conservation Science

About the role

The Department of Biology is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work under the supervision of Dr Matthew Wijers. The work will be based within the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit in the Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3EL, with regular travel to southern Africa. The post holder will undertake research focused on technological innovation for monitoring large carnivores. This is a fixed-term position for one year, with the possibility of annual extensions up to a maximum of three years, subject to continued funding.

About you

The successful applicant will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD, together with appropriate research experience in conservation technology and its application to African carnivore ecology and conservation. They will have experience working with bioacoustic and camera trap data and be familiar with deep learning methods, with a proven track record of training and applying audio signal classifiers. The successful applicant will possess excellent communication skills and have experience designing and delivering workshops and teaching activities to diverse audiences. Experience working in remote wildlife areas in Africa and collaborating with conservation organisations and government departments would be advantageous.

How to apply

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This post is full-time and available immediately.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 6 February 2026, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-February 2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.