If you’re interested in studying the origins of life on Earth, you might be thinking of pursuing an academic career in evolutionary biology. Maybe you’re just finishing your PhD in a related field and looking to share your knowledge in a lecturing role, or perhaps you’re already working as a postdoctoral researcher in this fascinating field.
This job profile tells you everything you need to know about lecturing jobs in evolutionary biology and where you can find these roles at jobs.ac.uk.
What is Evolutionary Biology?
Widely accepted as the central unifying theory in biology – evolutionary biology is the study of how species originate and have evolved and proliferated over time. Focusing on inherited molecules (DNA), genomics, epigenetics and population genetics, evolutionary biologists attempt to piece together the puzzle of our existence.
Understanding how species have evolved helps specialists solve the biological, medical, ecological and environmental problems that we face today. Evolutionary biologists collect and analyse specimens to detect genetic patterns using cutting-edge technology. They work in higher education, medical research facilities, ecology/conservation organisations, and the commercial biosciences sector.
Evolutionary Biology Lecturer jobs
Lecturers in this field deliver specialist courses and modules across biological, physical, environmental and social sciences.
Duties include:
- Delivery of teaching and laboratory classes to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Curriculum and module development.
- Conducting individual and collaborative research in the field of evolutionary biology.
- Contributing to funding proposals and publication of research outcomes.
- Engaging in knowledge exchange with the global scientific community and external partners.
- Supervision of student projects and junior researchers.
- Carrying out fieldwork, collecting and analysing specimens and data.
How to Become an Evolutionary Biology Lecturer
If you’re looking for a lecturing job in evolutionary biology, you’ll find that most higher education employers require the following qualifications, experience and knowledge:
Essential qualifications
- PhD in a field related to evolutionary biology.
- Higher education teaching qualification (or willingness to complete).
Experience and knowledge
Evolutionary biology is a broad discipline which can focus on anything from animal behaviour to understanding hereditary diseases. Your doctoral specialism would need to align with the specific area/discipline required by the employer, but you would also have to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge across all related fields.
Having published research outcomes and postdoctoral experience in your field would be essential. Higher education teaching experience and the ability to design innovative courses and assessments would also be a must.
What’s the pay?
A lecturer in evolutionary biology can expect a salary in the region of £38,474 to £43,155 p.a., depending on qualifications and research/teaching experience.
What can it lead to?
If you choose to pursue an academic career in higher education, the next step up would be to apply for a senior lecturer or associate professor position.
Evolutionary biology is a highly specialised area and most lecturers in this field are promoted within their current institutions. Promotion would depend on your publication record and ability to deliver multi-disciplinary teaching.
Where can I find Evolutionary Biology Lecturer jobs?
Evolutionary biology is integrated into a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across biological and life sciences. The availability of lecturing and research jobs in this field depends on your specialist area and the teaching requirements of each institution.
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