Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow

We seek to recruit a new full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to use mathematical modelling and computer simulation to study the earliest stages of embryogenesis in mammals. This full-time post in the group of Dr David Richards at the Living Systems Institute (http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/davidrichards) is available from 1st August 2025 on a fixed term basis until 23rd June 2026.

You will carry out an exciting project to dissect the underlying rules governing development of the mammalian embryo from a single cell to the mature blastocyst. This will involve a combination of computer simulation (e.g. in C++ or MATLAB) and mathematical analysis. As well as intrinsic interest in embryology, achieving a deep understanding of the earliest phases of development may well lead to transformative impact on human fertility and fertility lifespan. Research questions will include the underlying biophysical forces at play, the similarities and differences across animals, and how IVF clinics can better decide which embryos to implant.

This project will be aligned with the aims and objectives of an exciting research project jointly funded by the NC3Rs and the BBSRC, entitled “A novel in silico framework for early mammalian embryo development”.