How does social behaviour contribute to the evolution of wild insect populations?

We are seeking an evolutionary biologist with experience of running large-scale experiments and collecting ecological data in the field. You will join a team exploring the diverse ways in which social behaviour contributes to phenotypic and genetic variation among wild burying beetle populations, focusing initially on wild populations in Cambridgeshire, but with the potential to extend to other populations further afield. The project will combine field work and lab work and use diverse methodologies including proteomic, biomechanical, genomic and ecological approaches. You will be part of the Kilner Group, within the wider Behavioural Ecology Group in the Department of Zoology, and work closely with other members of the Kilner group and collaborators within and beyond Cambridge.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months with a possibility of extension subject to project status and availability of funds.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF37024 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

How does social behaviour contribute to the evolution of wild insect populations?

We are seeking an evolutionary biologist with experience of running large-scale experiments and collecting ecological data in the field. You will join a team exploring the diverse ways in which social behaviour contributes to phenotypic and genetic variation among wild burying beetle populations, focusing initially on wild populations in Cambridgeshire, but with the potential to extend to other populations further afield. The project will combine field work and lab work and use diverse methodologies including proteomic, biomechanical, genomic and ecological approaches. You will be part of the Kilner Group, within the wider Behavioural Ecology Group in the Department of Zoology, and work closely with other members of the Kilner group and collaborators within and beyond Cambridge.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months with a possibility of extension subject to project status and availability of funds.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF37024 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Two Research Assistant posts are available in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants will work with electron-microscopy image data, annotate and proof-read automatically segmented reconstructions of neurons and their connectivity, develop open source tools for data analysis/processing and perform neuron morphology, graph/circuit analyses etc. to obtain biological insight. A background in neurobiology or a strong quantitative preparation (e.g. in bioinformatics/computer science) will be helpful.

Successful candidates will join a team based in Zoology with 16 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US as well as experimental groups in Oxford (Scott Waddell) and Cambridge (Greg Jefferis). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the scientific aims of the project. This will be critical to setting priorities as the project develops. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will have increasing opportunities for scientific independence as their expertise develops. Candidates will report to a team leader based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members as the group expands and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

The roles will be based on site in the department of Zoology, with hybrid working arrangements possible following agreement.

Interview dates: Interview between 14th and 20th July 2023 (may be conducted remotely).

Fixed-term: the funds for these positions are available for 2 years, with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding. Preferred start date 4th September 2023

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36916 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Two Research Assistant posts are available in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants will work with electron-microscopy image data, annotate and proof-read automatically segmented reconstructions of neurons and their connectivity, develop open source tools for data analysis/processing and perform neuron morphology, graph/circuit analyses etc. to obtain biological insight. A background in neurobiology or a strong quantitative preparation (e.g. in bioinformatics/computer science) will be helpful.

Successful candidates will join a team based in Zoology with 16 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US as well as experimental groups in Oxford (Scott Waddell) and Cambridge (Greg Jefferis). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the scientific aims of the project. This will be critical to setting priorities as the project develops. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will have increasing opportunities for scientific independence as their expertise develops. Candidates will report to a team leader based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members as the group expands and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

The roles will be based on site in the department of Zoology, with hybrid working arrangements possible following agreement.

Interview dates: Interview between 14th and 20th July 2023 (may be conducted remotely).

Fixed-term: the funds for these positions are available for 2 years, with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding. Preferred start date 4th September 2023

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36916 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Two Post-Doctoral Research Associate posts are available in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants will work with very large volume electron-microscopy Drosophila connectomics data as part of a £6.7M Wellcome international collaborative award with HHMI Janelia Research Campus, the MRC LMB in Cambridge and the University of Oxford. This project will produce the first synaptic-resolution connectome for a whole adult Drosophila central nervous system (brain and nerve cord).

For at least one post the principal focus will be the development of open source tools for processing, annotation and analysis of connectomics data. This will include whole-brain scale analysis of multimodal features such as connectivity, morphology or cell ultrastructure. Of particular interest here are two related problems: systematic meta annotation (especially cell types) of new connectomics datasets, and across-dataset mapping for cross-validation and bootstrapping. This work feeds into the biological question of how stereotyped/variable brain wiring is (e.g. between sexes or across species). A background in neurobiology or a strong quantitative preparation with experience in bioinformatics/computer science will be essential. Prior experience with connectomics data is highly desirable. Our group has developed an international reputation in this area and our tools have now been used in dozens of published and in progress studies. There will also be opportunities in the near future to adapt these tools for mammalian connectomes. We will also enthusiastically consider applicants with a strong background in circuit neuroscience. Prior experience of connectome analysis and of Drosophila neural circuits will be highly desirable.

Successful candidates will join a team based in Zoology with 16 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US as well as experimental groups in Oxford (Scott Waddell) and Cambridge (Greg Jefferis). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the scientific aims of the project. This will be critical to setting priorities as the project develops. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will have increasing opportunities for scientific independence as their expertise develops. Candidates will report to a team leader based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members as the group expands and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

The roles will be based on site in the department of Zoology, with hybrid working arrangements possible following agreement.

Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (2 sides of A4 maximum).

Interview dates: Interview between 14th and 20th July 2023 (may be conducted remotely).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2025 with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36845 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Two Post-Doctoral Research Associate posts are available in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants will work with very large volume electron-microscopy Drosophila connectomics data as part of a £6.7M Wellcome international collaborative award with HHMI Janelia Research Campus, the MRC LMB in Cambridge and the University of Oxford. This project will produce the first synaptic-resolution connectome for a whole adult Drosophila central nervous system (brain and nerve cord).

For at least one post the principal focus will be the development of open source tools for processing, annotation and analysis of connectomics data. This will include whole-brain scale analysis of multimodal features such as connectivity, morphology or cell ultrastructure. Of particular interest here are two related problems: systematic meta annotation (especially cell types) of new connectomics datasets, and across-dataset mapping for cross-validation and bootstrapping. This work feeds into the biological question of how stereotyped/variable brain wiring is (e.g. between sexes or across species). A background in neurobiology or a strong quantitative preparation with experience in bioinformatics/computer science will be essential. Prior experience with connectomics data is highly desirable. Our group has developed an international reputation in this area and our tools have now been used in dozens of published and in progress studies. There will also be opportunities in the near future to adapt these tools for mammalian connectomes. We will also enthusiastically consider applicants with a strong background in circuit neuroscience. Prior experience of connectome analysis and of Drosophila neural circuits will be highly desirable.

Successful candidates will join a team based in Zoology with 16 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US as well as experimental groups in Oxford (Scott Waddell) and Cambridge (Greg Jefferis). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the scientific aims of the project. This will be critical to setting priorities as the project develops. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will have increasing opportunities for scientific independence as their expertise develops. Candidates will report to a team leader based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members as the group expands and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

The roles will be based on site in the department of Zoology, with hybrid working arrangements possible following agreement.

Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (2 sides of A4 maximum).

Interview dates: Interview between 14th and 20th July 2023 (may be conducted remotely).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2025 with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36845 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are absolutely delighted to congratulate Professor Rebecca Kilner FRS on being elected to the 1866 Professorship of Zoology. On hearing of her election Rebecca Kilner said: " It’s a huge privilege to be elected to the Professorship of Zoology (1866). What an honour and challenge to follow in the footsteps of the nine...

Are you a great communicator with a keen eye for detail? The Zoology Department at the University of Cambridge has an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for an HR Administrator to join our team as soon as possible.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a buzzing and friendly community of researchers, students, and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. We are a large department of over 250 staff and graduate students, so things can get pretty busy!

As the HR Administrator, you will help the HR and Grants Coordinator to support various HR processes, including recruitment, induction, probation, end of limited contracts, sickness, and parental leave. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining the visitors' database, drafting Visitor Agreements, and managing the departmental casual workforce through the Cambridge Casual Workforce System.

You will possess excellent communication skills and be proficient in all standard Microsoft Office packages, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize your workload within a demanding timetable. Tact and discretion are essential when handling confidential information and documents. Previous general administrative experience in a high education organisation or research institute. would be desirable. Previous HR experience is not specifically required. Training in Cambridge University HR systems will be provided.

Due to the need to foster a good understanding of the department and build relationships this role is based on site.

What we Offer: The University of Cambridge offers excellent benefits, extensive opportunities in a stimulating environment.

The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase. In addition to this, employees are rewarded for outstanding contribution through a number of regular pay progression schemes. Staff also benefit from a generous annual leave entitlement.

The University offers employees a wide range of competitive benefits, from health care cash plans to childcare, a cycle to work scheme, to shopping and insurance discounts. University-led initiatives in the areas of equality, diversity and wellbeing include staff and student networks. These include the Women's Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, Parents and Carers and the LGBT+ Network. We also hold a wide range of Equality and Diversity events on a regular basis.

Wellbeing at Cambridge is a University-wide initiative aiming at supporting and maximising the health and wellbeing of staff.

The University offer a range of family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. In addition, workplace nurseries, childcare vouchers, a childcare salary sacrifice scheme and a high-quality holiday play scheme are available to help support University employees with caring responsibilities

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36680 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Are you a great communicator with a keen eye for detail? The Zoology Department at the University of Cambridge has an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for an HR Administrator to join our team as soon as possible.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a buzzing and friendly community of researchers, students, and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. We are a large department of over 250 staff and graduate students, so things can get pretty busy!

As the HR Administrator, you will help the HR and Grants Coordinator to support various HR processes, including recruitment, induction, probation, end of limited contracts, sickness, and parental leave. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining the visitors' database, drafting Visitor Agreements, and managing the departmental casual workforce through the Cambridge Casual Workforce System.

You will possess excellent communication skills and be proficient in all standard Microsoft Office packages, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize your workload within a demanding timetable. Tact and discretion are essential when handling confidential information and documents. Previous general administrative experience in a high education organisation or research institute. would be desirable. Previous HR experience is not specifically required. Training in Cambridge University HR systems will be provided.

Due to the need to foster a good understanding of the department and build relationships this role is based on site.

What we Offer: The University of Cambridge offers excellent benefits, extensive opportunities in a stimulating environment.

The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase. In addition to this, employees are rewarded for outstanding contribution through a number of regular pay progression schemes. Staff also benefit from a generous annual leave entitlement.

The University offers employees a wide range of competitive benefits, from health care cash plans to childcare, a cycle to work scheme, to shopping and insurance discounts. University-led initiatives in the areas of equality, diversity and wellbeing include staff and student networks. These include the Women's Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, Parents and Carers and the LGBT+ Network. We also hold a wide range of Equality and Diversity events on a regular basis.

Wellbeing at Cambridge is a University-wide initiative aiming at supporting and maximising the health and wellbeing of staff.

The University offer a range of family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. In addition, workplace nurseries, childcare vouchers, a childcare salary sacrifice scheme and a high-quality holiday play scheme are available to help support University employees with caring responsibilities

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF36680 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are absolutely delighted to congratulate P rofessor William Sutherland and Professor Chris Jiggins on being elected Fellows of the Royal Society. Bill is one of the leading lights in conservation policy and practice, especially though the delivery of evidence-based conservation. He works with a team of collaborators...

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering and medicine.

The Society’s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

This year, a total of 80 researchers, innovators and communicators from around the world have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society for their substantial contribution to the advancement of science. These include 59 Fellows, 19 Foreign Members and two Honorary Fellows.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest cohort of Fellows. These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond. This year’s intake have already achieved incredible things, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so. I look forward to meeting them and following their contributions in future.” 

The Fellows and Foreign Members join the ranks of Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Lise Meitner, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Dorothy Hodgkin.

 

The Cambridge Fellows are:

 

Professor Cathie Clarke FRS

Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics, Institute of Astronomy

Clarke studies astrophysical fluid dynamics, including accretion and protoplanetary discs and stellar winds. She was the first to demonstrate how protoplanetary disc formation around low-mass young stars is determined by their radiation field. In 2017 she became the first woman to be awarded the Eddington Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society and in 2022 she became director of the Institute of Astronomy.

She said: “It's a great honour to join the many Cambridge astrophysicists who have held this title.”

  

Professor Christopher Jiggins FRS

Professor of Evolutionary Biology (2014), Department of Zoology, and Fellow of St Catharine’s College

Jiggins studies adaption and speciation in the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). In particular he is interested in studying how species converge due to mimicry as a model for understanding the predictability of evolution and the genetic and ecological causes of speciation. He demonstrated the importance of hybridisation and movement of genes between species in generating novel adaptations. He also works on cotton bollworm, an  agricultural pest, and genomic studies of the insect bioconversion species, black soldier fly.

He said: “I am amazed and delighted to receive this honour, and would thank all the amazing students, and postdocs that I have been lucky enough to work with over the years.”

  

Dr Philip Jones FRS

Senior Group Leader, Wellcome Sanger Institute and Professor of Cancer Development, University of Cambridge

Jones studies how normal cell behaviour is altered by mutation in aging and the earliest stages of cancer development. He focuses on normal skin and oesophagus, which become a patchwork of mutant cells by middle age. He has found that different mutations can either promote or inhibit cancer development giving hope of new ways to prevent cancer in the future. He is also a Consultant in Medical Oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

He said: “I am delighted to be elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. This honour is a tribute to the dedication of my research team and collaborators and support of my mentors and scientific colleagues over many years.”

 

Dr Lori Passmore FRS

Group Leader, Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Fellow of Clare Hall

Passmore a cryo-electron microscopist and structural biologist who works at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology and at the University of Cambridge. She is known for her work on multiprotein complexes involved in gene expression and the development of new supports for cryo-EM studies. She also studies the molecular mechanisms underlying Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic disease resulting in an impaired response to DNA damage.

“I am so honoured to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists. I am grateful to all the trainees, collaborators and colleagues whom I have worked with over the past years - science is truly collaborative and this is a recognition of all the courageous work of many people.”

 

Professor Peter Sewell FRS

Professor of Computer Science, Department of Computer Science and Technology

Sewell’s research aims to put the engineering of the real-world computer systems that we all depend on onto better foundations, developing techniques to make systems that are better-understood, more robust and more secure. He and his group are best known for their work on the subtle relaxed-memory concurrency behaviour and detailed sequential semantics of processors and programming languages. He co-leads the CHERI cybersecurity project, for which his team have established mathematically-proven security properties of Arm's Morello industrial prototype architecture.

He said: “This honour is a testament to the work of many excellent colleagues over the years, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

 

Professor Ivan Smith FRS

Professor of Geometry, Centre for Mathematical Sciences

Smith is a mathematician who deals with symplectic manifolds and their interaction with algebraic geometry, low-dimensional topology and dynamics. In 2007, he received the Whitehead Prize for his work in symplectic topology, highlighting the breadth of applied techniques from algebraic geometry and topology, and in 2013 the Adams Prize. 

He said: “I am surprised, delighted and hugely honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. I’ve been very fortunate to work in a rapidly advancing field, learning it alongside many inspirational and generous collaborators, who should definitely share this recognition.”

 

Professor William Sutherland CBE FRS

Miriam Rothschild Chair of Conservation Biology, Department of Zoology and Professorial Fellow of St Catharine’s College

Sutherland is a conservation scientist who is interested in improving the processes by which decisions are made. This has involved horizon scanning to identify future issues to reduce the surprises of future developments. His main work has been the industrial-scale collation of evidence to determine which interventions are effective and which are not and then establishing processes for embedding evidence in decision making. He has developed a free, online resource, Conservation Evidence, summarising evidence for the effectiveness of conservation actions to support anyone making decisions about how to maintain and restore biodiversity and an open access book Transforming Conservation: a practical guide to evidence and decision making.

He said: “I am delighted that our work on the means of improving decision making in conservation and elsewhere has been recognised in this way and thank my numerous collaborators.”

Seven outstanding Cambridge researchers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences and the oldest science academy in continuous existence.

These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond.Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society Courtesy of The Royal SocietyThe Royal Society, London

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified.  All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – as here, on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.

Yes

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering and medicine.

The Society’s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

This year, a total of 80 researchers, innovators and communicators from around the world have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society for their substantial contribution to the advancement of science. These include 59 Fellows, 19 Foreign Members and two Honorary Fellows.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest cohort of Fellows. These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond. This year’s intake have already achieved incredible things, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so. I look forward to meeting them and following their contributions in future.” 

The Fellows and Foreign Members join the ranks of Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Lise Meitner, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Dorothy Hodgkin.

 

The Cambridge Fellows are:

 

Professor Cathie Clarke FRS

Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics, Institute of Astronomy

Clarke studies astrophysical fluid dynamics, including accretion and protoplanetary discs and stellar winds. She was the first to demonstrate how protoplanetary disc formation around low-mass young stars is determined by their radiation field. In 2017 she became the first woman to be awarded the Eddington Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society and in 2022 she became director of the Institute of Astronomy.

She said: “It's a great honour to join the many Cambridge astrophysicists who have held this title.”

  

Professor Christopher Jiggins FRS

Professor of Evolutionary Biology (2014), Department of Zoology, and Fellow of St Catharine’s College

Jiggins studies adaption and speciation in the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). In particular he is interested in studying how species converge due to mimicry as a model for understanding the predictability of evolution and the genetic and ecological causes of speciation. He demonstrated the importance of hybridisation and movement of genes between species in generating novel adaptations. He also works on cotton bollworm, an  agricultural pest, and genomic studies of the insect bioconversion species, black soldier fly.

He said: “I am amazed and delighted to receive this honour, and would thank all the amazing students, and postdocs that I have been lucky enough to work with over the years.”

  

Dr Philip Jones FRS

Senior Group Leader, Wellcome Sanger Institute and Professor of Cancer Development, University of Cambridge

Jones studies how normal cell behaviour is altered by mutation in aging and the earliest stages of cancer development. He focuses on normal skin and oesophagus, which become a patchwork of mutant cells by middle age. He has found that different mutations can either promote or inhibit cancer development giving hope of new ways to prevent cancer in the future. He is also a Consultant in Medical Oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

He said: “I am delighted to be elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. This honour is a tribute to the dedication of my research team and collaborators and support of my mentors and scientific colleagues over many years.”

 

Dr Lori Passmore FRS

Group Leader, Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Fellow of Clare Hall

Passmore a cryo-electron microscopist and structural biologist who works at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology and at the University of Cambridge. She is known for her work on multiprotein complexes involved in gene expression and the development of new supports for cryo-EM studies. She also studies the molecular mechanisms underlying Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic disease resulting in an impaired response to DNA damage.

“I am so honoured to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists. I am grateful to all the trainees, collaborators and colleagues whom I have worked with over the past years - science is truly collaborative and this is a recognition of all the courageous work of many people.”

 

Professor Peter Sewell FRS

Professor of Computer Science, Department of Computer Science and Technology

Sewell’s research aims to put the engineering of the real-world computer systems that we all depend on onto better foundations, developing techniques to make systems that are better-understood, more robust and more secure. He and his group are best known for their work on the subtle relaxed-memory concurrency behaviour and detailed sequential semantics of processors and programming languages. He co-leads the CHERI cybersecurity project, for which his team have established mathematically-proven security properties of Arm's Morello industrial prototype architecture.

He said: “This honour is a testament to the work of many excellent colleagues over the years, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

 

Professor Ivan Smith FRS

Professor of Geometry, Centre for Mathematical Sciences

Smith is a mathematician who deals with symplectic manifolds and their interaction with algebraic geometry, low-dimensional topology and dynamics. In 2007, he received the Whitehead Prize for his work in symplectic topology, highlighting the breadth of applied techniques from algebraic geometry and topology, and in 2013 the Adams Prize. 

He said: “I am surprised, delighted and hugely honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. I’ve been very fortunate to work in a rapidly advancing field, learning it alongside many inspirational and generous collaborators, who should definitely share this recognition.”

 

Professor William Sutherland CBE FRS

Miriam Rothschild Chair of Conservation Biology, Department of Zoology and Professorial Fellow of St Catharine’s College

Sutherland is a conservation scientist who is interested in improving the processes by which decisions are made. This has involved horizon scanning to identify future issues to reduce the surprises of future developments. His main work has been the industrial-scale collation of evidence to determine which interventions are effective and which are not and then establishing processes for embedding evidence in decision making. He has developed a free, online resource, Conservation Evidence, summarising evidence for the effectiveness of conservation actions to support anyone making decisions about how to maintain and restore biodiversity and an open access book Transforming Conservation: a practical guide to evidence and decision making.

He said: “I am delighted that our work on the means of improving decision making in conservation and elsewhere has been recognised in this way and thank my numerous collaborators.”

Seven outstanding Cambridge researchers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences and the oldest science academy in continuous existence.

These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond.Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society Courtesy of The Royal SocietyThe Royal Society, London

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified.  All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – as here, on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.

Yes

Living in some kind of a nest is usually thought to be a necessary condition for the evolution of complex sociality - in everything from sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps to burrowing naked mole-rats. Nests provide a resource that can readily be defended and helps ensure that you are surrounded by relatives. However, in a...

Lead is a toxic metal that negatively affects body systems of people and animals, with the nervous system being particularly sensitive. Although elevated levels of dietary lead are potentially damaging to animal health, lead shot can be legally used for hunting terrestrial gamebirds, like pheasants, in the UK. While most pheasants are eaten by people, some are used in petfood.

Cambridge researchers analysed 90 samples taken from three raw pheasant dog food products bought in the UK and found that 77% of samples had lead concentrations exceeding the maximum residue level (MRL) permitted in animal feed according to law. Mean lead concentrations of the three products were approximately 245, 135 and 49 times higher than the MRL.

The results are published today in the journal Ambio.

“We were already aware that lead concentrations in pheasant meat sold for human consumption are often far higher than would be permitted in other meats like chicken, beef or pork” said lead author Professor Debbie Pain of Cambridge’s Zoology Department. “However, we were surprised to find that lead concentrations in raw pheasant dog food products were so much higher”

The mean lead concentration in the raw pheasant dog food analysed was 34 times higher than that recently reported in pheasant meat sold for people to eat, which itself is considered to be too high. Researchers say this could be because raw pheasant meat is normally minced when used for dogfood whereas whole birds or pheasant breasts are generally sold for human consumption. Mincing may fragment lead shot, increasing the number of small lead particles in the meat and the potential for lead to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The researchers say that dogs eating food with such high concentrations of lead, especially if they are fed on it frequently or as their main diet, are at risk of harm to their health. Puppies are particularly vulnerable both because young animals tend to absorb more of the lead they swallow than full-grown animals, and the developing nervous system is particularly affected by lead.

The scientists tested five pheasant-based dog food products. Three of these were raw meat products, one was a dried pheasant and partridge product, and one was a processed tinned pheasant and goose-based product. Three equivalent chicken-based petfood products (raw meat, dried and processed) were also assessed.

In addition to the raw pheasant dog food, levels of lead above the MRL were identified in some samples of the dried pheasant-based product, although the mean concentration was far lower than in the raw products. None of the samples from the chicken-based products or the tinned pheasant and goose-based product contained unacceptable levels of lead.

The popularity of raw meat diets for pets is increasing across the UK – a nation which is home to an estimated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats. The researchers found that raw dog food including pheasant meat was widely available in the UK. Raw pheasant pet food was sold by 34% of the 50 online raw pet food suppliers they checked – 71% of these stated that the meat may contain shot.

“The fact that most samples from three randomly sampled raw pheasant pet food products had very high lead concentrations, and that our recent research on shot types used to kill pheasants  found that 94% are shot with lead, suggests that this is a far broader issue than for just these three products,” said co-author Professor Rhys Green. “However, some producers may source pheasants that have not been shot with lead, and owners could ask about this when buying pet food.”

The study of shot types in pheasants sold for human consumption is part of a body of research assessing the effectiveness of a voluntary ban in the UK on lead shotgun ammunition to shoot wild quarry, which is being phased in over a five-year period from February 2020. Nine major shooting organisations committed to this, for sustainability reasons, considering wildlife, the environment and also to ensure a market for the healthiest game products.

Cambridge scientists have consistently found compliance with the voluntary ban to be low, which is in line with other studies investigating other voluntary bans. However, a total ban in Denmark has been shown to be very effective.

A ban on the sale and use of lead gunshot, along with restrictions on lead bullets, is currently being considered under the UK REACH Chemicals Regulation.

The analytical costs of this research were funded by Wild Justice.

D. Pain, R. E. Green, N. Bates, M. Guiu, M. A. Taggart, Lead concentrations in commercial dogfood containing pheasant in the UK, Ambio. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01856-x

Researchers tested samples of raw pheasant dog food and discovered that the majority contained high levels of lead that could put dogs’ health at risk if they eat it frequently.

24K-Production / iStock / Getty Images PlusDog eating raw meat

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified.  All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – as here, on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.

Yes

Lead is a toxic metal that negatively affects body systems of people and animals, with the nervous system being particularly sensitive. Although elevated levels of dietary lead are potentially damaging to animal health, lead shot can be legally used for hunting terrestrial gamebirds, like pheasants, in the UK. While most pheasants are eaten by people, some are used in petfood.

Cambridge researchers analysed 90 samples taken from three raw pheasant dog food products bought in the UK and found that 77% of samples had lead concentrations exceeding the maximum residue level (MRL) permitted in animal feed according to law. Mean lead concentrations of the three products were approximately 245, 135 and 49 times higher than the MRL.

The results are published today in the journal Ambio.

“We were already aware that lead concentrations in pheasant meat sold for human consumption are often far higher than would be permitted in other meats like chicken, beef or pork” said lead author Professor Debbie Pain of Cambridge’s Zoology Department. “However, we were surprised to find that lead concentrations in raw pheasant dog food products were so much higher”

The mean lead concentration in the raw pheasant dog food analysed was 34 times higher than that recently reported in pheasant meat sold for people to eat, which itself is considered to be too high. Researchers say this could be because raw pheasant meat is normally minced when used for dogfood whereas whole birds or pheasant breasts are generally sold for human consumption. Mincing may fragment lead shot, increasing the number of small lead particles in the meat and the potential for lead to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The researchers say that dogs eating food with such high concentrations of lead, especially if they are fed on it frequently or as their main diet, are at risk of harm to their health. Puppies are particularly vulnerable both because young animals tend to absorb more of the lead they swallow than full-grown animals, and the developing nervous system is particularly affected by lead.

The scientists tested five pheasant-based dog food products. Three of these were raw meat products, one was a dried pheasant and partridge product, and one was a processed tinned pheasant and goose-based product. Three equivalent chicken-based petfood products (raw meat, dried and processed) were also assessed.

In addition to the raw pheasant dog food, levels of lead above the MRL were identified in some samples of the dried pheasant-based product, although the mean concentration was far lower than in the raw products. None of the samples from the chicken-based products or the tinned pheasant and goose-based product contained unacceptable levels of lead.

The popularity of raw meat diets for pets is increasing across the UK – a nation which is home to an estimated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats. The researchers found that raw dog food including pheasant meat was widely available in the UK. Raw pheasant pet food was sold by 34% of the 50 online raw pet food suppliers they checked – 71% of these stated that the meat may contain shot.

“The fact that most samples from three randomly sampled raw pheasant pet food products had very high lead concentrations, and that our recent research on shot types used to kill pheasants  found that 94% are shot with lead, suggests that this is a far broader issue than for just these three products,” said co-author Professor Rhys Green. “However, some producers may source pheasants that have not been shot with lead, and owners could ask about this when buying pet food.”

The study of shot types in pheasants sold for human consumption is part of a body of research assessing the effectiveness of a voluntary ban in the UK on lead shotgun ammunition to shoot wild quarry, which is being phased in over a five-year period from February 2020. Nine major shooting organisations committed to this, for sustainability reasons, considering wildlife, the environment and also to ensure a market for the healthiest game products.

Cambridge scientists have consistently found compliance with the voluntary ban to be low, which is in line with other studies investigating other voluntary bans. However, a total ban in Denmark has been shown to be very effective.

A ban on the sale and use of lead gunshot, along with restrictions on lead bullets, is currently being considered under the UK REACH Chemicals Regulation.

The analytical costs of this research were funded by Wild Justice.

D. Pain, R. E. Green, N. Bates, M. Guiu, M. A. Taggart, Lead concentrations in commercial dogfood containing pheasant in the UK, Ambio. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01856-x

Researchers tested samples of raw pheasant dog food and discovered that the majority contained high levels of lead that could put dogs’ health at risk if they eat it frequently.

24K-Production / iStock / Getty Images PlusDog eating raw meat

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified.  All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – as here, on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.

Yes

Important new soft-bodied fossil site found in Wales In an unexpected outcome of the Covid lockdowns, a new fossil site has been discovered in Wales. It is one of the very rare sites where soft tissues and complete organisms are preserved in abundance, rather than just hard parts like shells and bones. These exceptional...

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology which is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students. We are looking for a proactive IT professional with depth and breadth of technical expertise to manage and improve IT services within the Department. You are welcome to visit Zoology and discuss this position. To arrange your visit please contact Louise Balshaw - Departmental Administrator (da@zoo.cam.ac.uk).

This post will be responsible for the specification and delivery of IT services to the Department, and will provide guidance, leadership and support on a range of IT issues. The postholder will increase the level of support to all staff and students and will be active in identifying and solving IT problems across the Department. They will be expected to work closely with the Clinical School Computing Service (CSCS) who currently provide IT services to Zoology. The IT Manager will also work at a strategic level to define and establish IT strategy and to ensure that IT services remain capable and robust and in step with the department's evolving needs.

Applicants should have a degree in a technical or scientific subject, or substantial relevant experience, with a strong computing or IT management background. Experience of maintaining and managing complex IT systems is essential, and experience in a higher education or research environment is desirable. Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong and productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders will be critical to success.

Reporting to the Department Administrator, the post holder will represent the Department on University level IT groups, committees and projects, and provide strategic IT advice to the senior managers of the Department. This post will work closely with the Head of Information Technology and Digital Transformation at the School of Biological Sciences and with the service managers of CSCS and the University Information Service (UIS), promoting Departmental priorities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to understand and document policy, processes and procedures within an IT context, together with excellent interpersonal, listening, written and oral communication skills. You will need to be able to work well under pressure and to meet tight deadlines with attention to detail. You will also need to be able to understand, negotiate and manage business expectations.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, conscientious, and a team player. As this is a senior managerial role within the department, you will need to be flexible in your approach to the needs of the Department. It is expected that this role will be based in the Department in order to be able to provide in-person support. Some evening and weekend work may be required on an occasional basis.

The department actively encourages and promotes career training, development and progression and we offer an encouraging, supportive and inclusive working environment.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF35173 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology which is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students. We are looking for a proactive IT professional with depth and breadth of technical expertise to manage and improve IT services within the Department. You are welcome to visit Zoology and discuss this position. To arrange your visit please contact Louise Balshaw - Departmental Administrator (da@zoo.cam.ac.uk).

This post will be responsible for the specification and delivery of IT services to the Department, and will provide guidance, leadership and support on a range of IT issues. The postholder will increase the level of support to all staff and students and will be active in identifying and solving IT problems across the Department. They will be expected to work closely with the Clinical School Computing Service (CSCS) who currently provide IT services to Zoology. The IT Manager will also work at a strategic level to define and establish IT strategy and to ensure that IT services remain capable and robust and in step with the department's evolving needs.

Applicants should have a degree in a technical or scientific subject, or substantial relevant experience, with a strong computing or IT management background. Experience of maintaining and managing complex IT systems is essential, and experience in a higher education or research environment is desirable. Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong and productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders will be critical to success.

Reporting to the Department Administrator, the post holder will represent the Department on University level IT groups, committees and projects, and provide strategic IT advice to the senior managers of the Department. This post will work closely with the Head of Information Technology and Digital Transformation at the School of Biological Sciences and with the service managers of CSCS and the University Information Service (UIS), promoting Departmental priorities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to understand and document policy, processes and procedures within an IT context, together with excellent interpersonal, listening, written and oral communication skills. You will need to be able to work well under pressure and to meet tight deadlines with attention to detail. You will also need to be able to understand, negotiate and manage business expectations.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, conscientious, and a team player. As this is a senior managerial role within the department, you will need to be flexible in your approach to the needs of the Department. It is expected that this role will be based in the Department in order to be able to provide in-person support. Some evening and weekend work may be required on an occasional basis.

The department actively encourages and promotes career training, development and progression and we offer an encouraging, supportive and inclusive working environment.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women and from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF35173 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are delighted to congratulate Professor William Sutherland , Miriam Rothschild Professor of Conservation Biology o n being awarded 2023 ECI Prize in terrestrial ecology by the International Ecology Institute (ECI, Oldendorf/Luhe, Germany). The ECI Prize is awarded biennially to an ecologist distinguished by outstanding...

Reconciling human activities with nature is never going to be easy, but a new Cambridge group is using everything it’s got to try and protect a vital part of the UK.