skip to content

Department of Zoology

 

Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative colleague to join our friendly team studying fundamental questions in neuroscience, by investigating neurotransmitter receptors in the model organism C. elegans.

You will join the group of Dr Iris Hardege (https://www.hardege-lab.com/) in the Department of Zoology. We are studying the roles of novel neurotransmitter receptors in the biology of the nematode C. elegans. The group primarily uses analysis of C. elegans as well as molecular biology, genetics and electrophysiology using Xenopus oocytes. We are an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming group, all members are encouraged to participate actively in scientific discussion as well as outreach activities.

You will be contributing to the smooth running of Dr Iris Hardege's group by providing technical support for research and by assisting with experiments.

You will be responsible for the operational running of the laboratory, for example, by managing C. elegans strains, ensuring maintenance of lab equipment, overseeing laboratory health and safety and procurement of equipment and consumables. Responsibilities will also include assisting with experimental work, for example, generating plasmids and C. elegans strains, carrying out C. elegans behavioural experiments and automated Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology recordings.

The successful candidate should have: - Practical experience of laboratory research (preferably with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning). - Educated to BSc level in a STEM subject (or equivalent practical experience). - Strong organisational and communication skills. - Attention to detail and good record keeping. - Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within a set budget. - The ability to work independently and as part of a group. - A genuine interest in supporting scientific research. - An open minded, positive, and collaborative mindset.

Please provide in your application under Suitability for the Role an explanation as to how you meet the job requirements and what you would bring to the group. Please include examples of technical experience, and/or specific technical training you have completed.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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 PF41447 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)

Current Vacancies - Thu, 25/04/2024 - 00:00

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative colleague to join our friendly team studying fundamental questions in neuroscience, by investigating neurotransmitter receptors in the model organism C. elegans.

You will join the group of Dr Iris Hardege (https://www.hardege-lab.com/) in the Department of Zoology. We are studying the roles of novel neurotransmitter receptors in the biology of the nematode C. elegans. The group primarily uses analysis of C. elegans as well as molecular biology, genetics and electrophysiology using Xenopus oocytes. We are an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming group, all members are encouraged to participate actively in scientific discussion as well as outreach activities.

You will be contributing to the smooth running of Dr Iris Hardege's group by providing technical support for research and by assisting with experiments.

You will be responsible for the operational running of the laboratory, for example, by managing C. elegans strains, ensuring maintenance of lab equipment, overseeing laboratory health and safety and procurement of equipment and consumables. Responsibilities will also include assisting with experimental work, for example, generating plasmids and C. elegans strains, carrying out C. elegans behavioural experiments and automated Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology recordings.

The successful candidate should have: - Practical experience of laboratory research (preferably with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning). - Educated to BSc level in a STEM subject (or equivalent practical experience). - Strong organisational and communication skills. - Attention to detail and good record keeping. - Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within a set budget. - The ability to work independently and as part of a group. - A genuine interest in supporting scientific research. - An open minded, positive, and collaborative mindset.

Please provide in your application under Suitability for the Role an explanation as to how you meet the job requirements and what you would bring to the group. Please include examples of technical experience, and/or specific technical training you have completed.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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 PF41447 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.

Pork labelling schemes ‘not helpful’ in making informed buying choices, say researchers

Cam ac uk zoology department feed - Thu, 11/04/2024 - 10:27

Researchers have evaluated different types of pig farming – including woodland, organic, free range, RSPCA assured, and Red Tractor certified, to assess each systems’ impact across four areas: land use (representing biodiversity loss), greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use and animal welfare. Their study concludes that none of the farm types performed consistently well across all four areas – a finding that has important implications for increasingly climate conscious consumers, as well as farmers themselves.

However, there were individual farms that did perform well in all domains, including an indoor Red Tractor farm, an outdoor bred, indoor finished RSPCA assured farm and fully outdoor woodland farm. “Outliers like these show that trade-offs are not inevitable,” said lead author Dr Harriet Bartlett, Research Associate at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, who was formerly at the University of Cambridge.  

“Somewhat unexpectedly we found that a handful of farms perform far better than average across all four of our environmental and welfare measures,” added senior author Andrew Balmford, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge. However, none of the current label or assurance schemes predicted which farms these would be.

“The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat. Even more importantly, we aren’t rewarding and incentivising the best-performing farmers. Instead of focusing on farm types or practices, we need to focus on meaningful outcomes for people, the planet and the pigs – and assess, and reward farms based on these,” said Bartlett.

The findings also show that common assumptions around food labelling can be misplaced. For instance, Organic farming systems, which consumers might see as climate and environmentally friendly, have on average three times the CO2 output per kg of meat of more intensive Red Tractor or RSPCA assured systems and four times the land use. However, these same systems use on average almost 90% fewer antibiotic medicines, and result in improved animal welfare compared with production from Red tractor or RSPCA assured systems.

The way we classify livestock farms must be improved, Bartlett says, because livestock production is growing rapidly, especially pork production, which has quadrupled in the past 50 years and already accounts for 9% of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Pig farming also uses more antibiotics than any other livestock sector, and 8.5% of all arable land.

“Our findings show that mitigating the environmental impacts of livestock farming isn’t a case of saying which farm type is the best,” said Bartlett. “There is substantial scope for improvement within types, and our current means of classification is not identifying the best farms for the planet and animals overall. Instead, we need to identify farms that successfully limit their impacts across all areas of societal concern, and understand, promote and incentivise their practises.”

The study reached its conclusions using data from 74 UK and 17 Brazilian breed-to-finish systems, each made up of 1-3 farms and representing the annual production of over 1.2 million pigs. It is published today in the journal Nature Food.

“To the best of our knowledge, our dataset covers by far the largest and most diverse sample of pig production systems examined in any single study,” said Bartlett.

James Wood, Professor of Equine and Farm Animal Science at the University of Cambridge, commented: “This important study identifies a key need to clarify what different farm labels should indicate to consumers; there is a pressing need to extend this work into other farming sectors. It also clearly demonstrates the critical importance that individual farmers play in promoting best practice across all farming systems.”

Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable was authored by academics at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and the University of São Paulo.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Reference: Bartlett, H.,‘Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable.’ Nature Food, April 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2

Adapted from a press release by the University of Oxford.

Farmers don’t have to choose between lowering environmental impact and improving welfare for their pigs, a new study has found: it is possible to do both. But this is not reflected in the current food labelling schemes relied on by consumers.

The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat.Harriet BartlettCharity Burggraaf/ GettyTwo pigs on a farm


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 – 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.

YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical
Categories: Latest News

Pork labelling schemes ‘not helpful’ in making informed buying choices, say researchers

Research News - Thu, 11/04/2024 - 10:27

Researchers have evaluated different types of pig farming – including woodland, organic, free range, RSPCA assured, and Red Tractor certified, to assess each systems’ impact across four areas: land use (representing biodiversity loss), greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use and animal welfare. Their study concludes that none of the farm types performed consistently well across all four areas – a finding that has important implications for increasingly climate conscious consumers, as well as farmers themselves.

However, there were individual farms that did perform well in all domains, including an indoor Red Tractor farm, an outdoor bred, indoor finished RSPCA assured farm and fully outdoor woodland farm. “Outliers like these show that trade-offs are not inevitable,” said lead author Dr Harriet Bartlett, Research Associate at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, who was formerly at the University of Cambridge.  

“Somewhat unexpectedly we found that a handful of farms perform far better than average across all four of our environmental and welfare measures,” added senior author Andrew Balmford, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge. However, none of the current label or assurance schemes predicted which farms these would be.

“The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat. Even more importantly, we aren’t rewarding and incentivising the best-performing farmers. Instead of focusing on farm types or practices, we need to focus on meaningful outcomes for people, the planet and the pigs – and assess, and reward farms based on these,” said Bartlett.

The findings also show that common assumptions around food labelling can be misplaced. For instance, Organic farming systems, which consumers might see as climate and environmentally friendly, have on average three times the CO2 output per kg of meat of more intensive Red Tractor or RSPCA assured systems and four times the land use. However, these same systems use on average almost 90% fewer antibiotic medicines, and result in improved animal welfare compared with production from Red tractor or RSPCA assured systems.

The way we classify livestock farms must be improved, Bartlett says, because livestock production is growing rapidly, especially pork production, which has quadrupled in the past 50 years and already accounts for 9% of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Pig farming also uses more antibiotics than any other livestock sector, and 8.5% of all arable land.

“Our findings show that mitigating the environmental impacts of livestock farming isn’t a case of saying which farm type is the best,” said Bartlett. “There is substantial scope for improvement within types, and our current means of classification is not identifying the best farms for the planet and animals overall. Instead, we need to identify farms that successfully limit their impacts across all areas of societal concern, and understand, promote and incentivise their practises.”

The study reached its conclusions using data from 74 UK and 17 Brazilian breed-to-finish systems, each made up of 1-3 farms and representing the annual production of over 1.2 million pigs. It is published today in the journal Nature Food.

“To the best of our knowledge, our dataset covers by far the largest and most diverse sample of pig production systems examined in any single study,” said Bartlett.

James Wood, Professor of Equine and Farm Animal Science at the University of Cambridge, commented: “This important study identifies a key need to clarify what different farm labels should indicate to consumers; there is a pressing need to extend this work into other farming sectors. It also clearly demonstrates the critical importance that individual farmers play in promoting best practice across all farming systems.”

Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable was authored by academics at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and the University of São Paulo.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Reference: Bartlett, H.,‘Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable.’ Nature Food, April 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2

Adapted from a press release by the University of Oxford.

Farmers don’t have to choose between lowering environmental impact and improving welfare for their pigs, a new study has found: it is possible to do both. But this is not reflected in the current food labelling schemes relied on by consumers.

The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat.Harriet BartlettCharity Burggraaf/ GettyTwo pigs on a farm


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 – 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.

YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

Fish bellies, fava beans & food security

Cam ac uk zoology department feed - Fri, 05/04/2024 - 16:20

Cambridge Zero and Cambridge Global Food Security gather academics and experts to share solutions for the planet’s looming food production problem. 

Categories: Latest News

Fish bellies, fava beans & food security

Research News - Fri, 05/04/2024 - 16:20

Cambridge Zero and Cambridge Global Food Security gather academics and experts to share solutions for the planet’s looming food production problem. 

Teaching Manager

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and positive individual to lead our Teaching Team and to ensure the effective administration and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Department of Zoology. We are one of the larger research and teaching departments in the University, with a final-year undergraduate class of about 90. The Department teaches on 10 courses within the undergraduate Natural Sciences Tripos and currently trains approximately 90 postgraduate students.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of researchers, students, professional services staff and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

We are looking for someone with great organisational skills, experience in planning and delivering programs and projects, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a demonstrable capacity to engage with students, academics, and professional services staff. You will be a great team player with a genuine interest in this fulfilling field and preferably have some existing knowledge of higher education teaching and administration.

Experience in successfully managing staff is desirable as the role holder will manage the Postgraduate Administrator and the Teaching Office Assistant who support the administration of all undergraduate and postgraduate programs within the Department.

Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, webpages and email packages, are essential together with a knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Moodle (Virtual Learning Environment), Panopto (online video recording and hosting system) and other University computing systems such as CamSIS (the University's student records system).

The position is full time and is available on a permanent basis.

Full information about the role can be accessed via the link below.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 13 May 2024.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or about the application process, please contact Louise Balshaw, Departmental Administrator on da@zoo.cam.ac.uk

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 PF41113 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Teaching Manager

Current Vacancies - Thu, 28/03/2024 - 00:00

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and positive individual to lead our Teaching Team and to ensure the effective administration and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Department of Zoology. We are one of the larger research and teaching departments in the University, with a final-year undergraduate class of about 90. The Department teaches on 10 courses within the undergraduate Natural Sciences Tripos and currently trains approximately 90 postgraduate students.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of researchers, students, professional services staff and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

We are looking for someone with great organisational skills, experience in planning and delivering programs and projects, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a demonstrable capacity to engage with students, academics, and professional services staff. You will be a great team player with a genuine interest in this fulfilling field and preferably have some existing knowledge of higher education teaching and administration.

Experience in successfully managing staff is desirable as the role holder will manage the Postgraduate Administrator and the Teaching Office Assistant who support the administration of all undergraduate and postgraduate programs within the Department.

Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, webpages and email packages, are essential together with a knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Moodle (Virtual Learning Environment), Panopto (online video recording and hosting system) and other University computing systems such as CamSIS (the University's student records system).

The position is full time and is available on a permanent basis.

Full information about the role can be accessed via the link below.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 13 May 2024.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or about the application process, please contact Louise Balshaw, Departmental Administrator on da@zoo.cam.ac.uk

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 PF41113 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.

Scientific Support Coordinator

The Department of Zoology is internationally renowned for its exceptional record in teaching and research. It is home to a thriving community of around 260 staff, graduate students and visitors. Research in the Department ranges from cell and developmental biology through conservation science or evolutionary genetics.

We are looking to recruit a keen and enthusiastic individual to join our scientific support team who provide a highest standard of support to our research and teaching labs. This is a great opportunity to become part of Zoology's vibrant, friendly and welcoming community and contribute towards its success.

You will be part of a team responsible for ensuring that scientific departmental needs are supported. This is an exciting role with diverse responsibilities: you will be involved with the management of the media and glass washing facility, you will work closely with the Senior Animal Care Technician, and you will manage the tissue culture facility, including hands-on bench and tissue culture work. You will also manage departmental service contracts for communal scientific equipment and you will provide assistance to the Teaching Lab when required.

You will be a proactive, enthusiastic and versatile individual to undertake this exciting role in the Department. You should have experience working within a biological lab environment, be an excellent communicator with good organisation skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to make decisions on your own whilst also working effectively as part as a wider team.

We have a proactive approach to personal and team development and we will provide training where necessary for this role. As a department within the University of Cambridge, the successful applicant will benefit from the stability that comes from such a world-renowned Institution. They will also have access to a broad selection of staff benefits and personal development opportunities including discounts at a wide range of local and national businesses and educational opportunities available exclusively to University of Cambridge employees.

This role is required to work on site and the appointment is offered on a permanent, full-time basis. A requirement of the role is to be part of the additional cover team at weekends, Bank Holidays and on occasion, out of hours. The candidate will therefore be required to work outside of normal working hours at certain periods of time.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Sylviane Moss, Lab and Facilities Manager: smmc2@cam.ac.uk

Please refer to the Further Particulars for this role, and use this as a guideline for your application.

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 health assessment.

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 PF41035 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Scientific Support Coordinator

Current Vacancies - Mon, 25/03/2024 - 00:00

The Department of Zoology is internationally renowned for its exceptional record in teaching and research. It is home to a thriving community of around 260 staff, graduate students and visitors. Research in the Department ranges from cell and developmental biology through conservation science or evolutionary genetics.

We are looking to recruit a keen and enthusiastic individual to join our scientific support team who provide a highest standard of support to our research and teaching labs. This is a great opportunity to become part of Zoology's vibrant, friendly and welcoming community and contribute towards its success.

You will be part of a team responsible for ensuring that scientific departmental needs are supported. This is an exciting role with diverse responsibilities: you will be involved with the management of the media and glass washing facility, you will work closely with the Senior Animal Care Technician, and you will manage the tissue culture facility, including hands-on bench and tissue culture work. You will also manage departmental service contracts for communal scientific equipment and you will provide assistance to the Teaching Lab when required.

You will be a proactive, enthusiastic and versatile individual to undertake this exciting role in the Department. You should have experience working within a biological lab environment, be an excellent communicator with good organisation skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to make decisions on your own whilst also working effectively as part as a wider team.

We have a proactive approach to personal and team development and we will provide training where necessary for this role. As a department within the University of Cambridge, the successful applicant will benefit from the stability that comes from such a world-renowned Institution. They will also have access to a broad selection of staff benefits and personal development opportunities including discounts at a wide range of local and national businesses and educational opportunities available exclusively to University of Cambridge employees.

This role is required to work on site and the appointment is offered on a permanent, full-time basis. A requirement of the role is to be part of the additional cover team at weekends, Bank Holidays and on occasion, out of hours. The candidate will therefore be required to work outside of normal working hours at certain periods of time.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Sylviane Moss, Lab and Facilities Manager: smmc2@cam.ac.uk

Please refer to the Further Particulars for this role, and use this as a guideline for your application.

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 health assessment.

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 PF41035 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.

Teaching Office Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive individual to join the teaching team in the Department of Zoology as a Temporary Teaching Office Assistant. You will make an important contribution to the effective administration and delivery of undergraduate education in the Department.

The Department of Zoology is one of the largest research and teaching departments in the University, with a final-year undergraduate class of about 90. The Department teaches on 10 courses within the undergraduate Natural Sciences Tripos and currently trains approximately 90 graduate students.

The role will include various tasks associated with providing day-to-day delivery of all administrative processes and functions related to undergraduate and graduate teaching. You will organise the four residential undergraduate field courses, be a point of contact for student and academic staff queries within the Department and assist the Teaching Manager. You may also be required to provide additional support to the Postgraduate Administrator, particularly during the postgraduate admissions period. You will be a great team player with excellent communication, organisational and great time management skills. You should have an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Previous experience in a responsible administrative role would be desirable.

What can we offer you:

  • Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living increases;
  • Generous annual leave allowance;
  • Generous maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlements, and other family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries);
  • An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution;
  • Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores;
  • Schemes to support relocation/provision of accommodation.

If you have the skills, experience, and personality to succeed in this role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Informal conversations are welcomed. Please email Francesca Anthony fa377@cam.ac.uk to learn more about this role.

For more details, please refer to the Further Information below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for twelve months.

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 PF40995 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Teaching Office Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Current Vacancies - Thu, 21/03/2024 - 00:00

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive individual to join the teaching team in the Department of Zoology as a Temporary Teaching Office Assistant. You will make an important contribution to the effective administration and delivery of undergraduate education in the Department.

The Department of Zoology is one of the largest research and teaching departments in the University, with a final-year undergraduate class of about 90. The Department teaches on 10 courses within the undergraduate Natural Sciences Tripos and currently trains approximately 90 graduate students.

The role will include various tasks associated with providing day-to-day delivery of all administrative processes and functions related to undergraduate and graduate teaching. You will organise the four residential undergraduate field courses, be a point of contact for student and academic staff queries within the Department and assist the Teaching Manager. You may also be required to provide additional support to the Postgraduate Administrator, particularly during the postgraduate admissions period. You will be a great team player with excellent communication, organisational and great time management skills. You should have an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Previous experience in a responsible administrative role would be desirable.

What can we offer you:

  • Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living increases;
  • Generous annual leave allowance;
  • Generous maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlements, and other family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries);
  • An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution;
  • Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores;
  • Schemes to support relocation/provision of accommodation.

If you have the skills, experience, and personality to succeed in this role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Informal conversations are welcomed. Please email Francesca Anthony fa377@cam.ac.uk to learn more about this role.

For more details, please refer to the Further Information below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for twelve months.

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 PF40995 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.

Custodian (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a proactive and self-motivated individual to join our in-house Facilities team as Custodian at the Department of Zoology.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of researchers, students, professional services staff and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology which are based across five buildings, mainly in Central Cambridge. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

This varied and rewarding role will require good knowledge of buildings management and custodian functions. Reporting to the Building Services Manager, the role holder will manage the Zoology cleaning team of 8 and will be responsible for the delivery of high standards across all areas of activity within the various central Cambridge Zoology sites. Areas of responsibility will include the security of departmental buildings, housekeeping and cleaning, routine building maintenance, alarm systems and monitoring building utilities usage.

The Departmental Custodian will coordinate building refurbishment works and liaise on a daily basis with the Building Services Team, Estates Division, Equans and specialist contractors. They will also provide suitable cover for the Building Services Manager in times of their absence.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have worked in a similar role and be IT literate, although training will be given in the use of computer systems used. You will have technical aptitude and the ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Good communication skills, excellent time keeping and remaining calm under pressure are essential in this role. They will have technical aptitude and the ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Good communication skills, excellent time keeping and remaining calm under pressure are essential in this role. Being highly motivated, conscientious and honest is prerequisite for this role.

Applicants should have a level standard of education/NVQ level 3 vocational qualifications or equivalent level of practical experience. You should be able to demonstrate factual and theoretical knowledge in custodial work, ability to deal calmly with academic, research, professional services staff, visitors and external contractors.

This full-time position requires the post-holder to work on-site Monday - Friday, and availability for attendance for out-of-hours work may be necessary on occasions.

As an employee, you will have access to a range of excellent University of Cambridge benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, comprehensive maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlement, various family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries), an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a generous employer contribution, shopping discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores, the opportunity to participate in the cycle-to-work scheme, access to University of Cambridge training and many more.

If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role we would be delighted to hear from you.

Informal conversations are welcomed. Please contact Sylviane Moss smmc2@cam.ac.uk to hear more about this role.

For more details please refer to the Further Information below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months. 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.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

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 PF40105 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Custodian (Fixed Term)

Current Vacancies - Wed, 28/02/2024 - 00:00

We are looking for a proactive and self-motivated individual to join our in-house Facilities team as Custodian at the Department of Zoology.

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of researchers, students, professional services staff and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology which are based across five buildings, mainly in Central Cambridge. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

This varied and rewarding role will require good knowledge of buildings management and custodian functions. Reporting to the Building Services Manager, the role holder will manage the Zoology cleaning team of 8 and will be responsible for the delivery of high standards across all areas of activity within the various central Cambridge Zoology sites. Areas of responsibility will include the security of departmental buildings, housekeeping and cleaning, routine building maintenance, alarm systems and monitoring building utilities usage.

The Departmental Custodian will coordinate building refurbishment works and liaise on a daily basis with the Building Services Team, Estates Division, Equans and specialist contractors. They will also provide suitable cover for the Building Services Manager in times of their absence.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have worked in a similar role and be IT literate, although training will be given in the use of computer systems used. You will have technical aptitude and the ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Good communication skills, excellent time keeping and remaining calm under pressure are essential in this role. They will have technical aptitude and the ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Good communication skills, excellent time keeping and remaining calm under pressure are essential in this role. Being highly motivated, conscientious and honest is prerequisite for this role.

Applicants should have a level standard of education/NVQ level 3 vocational qualifications or equivalent level of practical experience. You should be able to demonstrate factual and theoretical knowledge in custodial work, ability to deal calmly with academic, research, professional services staff, visitors and external contractors.

This full-time position requires the post-holder to work on-site Monday - Friday, and availability for attendance for out-of-hours work may be necessary on occasions.

As an employee, you will have access to a range of excellent University of Cambridge benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, comprehensive maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlement, various family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries), an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a generous employer contribution, shopping discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores, the opportunity to participate in the cycle-to-work scheme, access to University of Cambridge training and many more.

If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role we would be delighted to hear from you.

Informal conversations are welcomed. Please contact Sylviane Moss smmc2@cam.ac.uk to hear more about this role.

For more details please refer to the Further Information below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months. 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.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

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 PF40105 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.

Announcing the Student Support Fund in Memory of John Treherne

News from this site - Mon, 26/02/2024 - 08:15

John Treherne was, during his time at Cambridge (1955-1989), one of the most influential and charismatic members of the Department of Zoology: a brilliant scientist, a much-valued colleague, and an exceptional mentor. As a tribute to John and the important values that he promoted, we have set up a new fund in his memory...

Categories: Latest News

Trans-equatorial migration links oceanic frontal habitats across the Pacific Ocean: year-round movements and foraging activity of a small gadfly petrel

News from this site - Mon, 19/02/2024 - 08:49

stejnegers_petrel_in_the_hand.jpg Stejneger's petrel soon to set forth across the Pacific where its movements will be tracked by the tiny geolocator on the right leg. Studies of bird migration continue to deliver amazing narratives. This is as true of seabirds as of landbirds crossing the Sahara or the high Himalayas...

Categories: Latest News

Building Services Manager

We are seeking for a dedicated, versatile and proactive Building Services Manager with excellent management skills and a customer-focused attitude to support our Zoology buildings. The Department of Zoology is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology which are based across five buildings, mainly in Central Cambridge. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

This varied and rewarding role will require good knowledge and understanding of building operations and facilities management. The role holder will have experience of project management in a scientific environment, as well as an understanding of engineering infrastructure in research facilities. Reporting to the Lab and Facilities Manager, you will lead our buildings support team and be responsible for facility management, maintenance and modification of the building fabric and planned and reactive maintenance. You will directly line manage 4 members of staff and will lead a team of 15. You will be the essential link between the department and the Estates Division.

We are looking for a great team player who is an effective communicator and is able to recognise and respond to the different needs of research groups and professional support staff. Ideally you will have a Level 6 vocational qualifications/degree or an equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of building maintenance, specialised systems and building services is required along with the ability to build good relationships with various stakeholders, including Estates Division and external contractors. You will have proven organisational abilities, strong IT skills and a high attention to detail. Availability for attendance for out of hours work may be necessary on occasions.

What can we offer you:

  • Competitive rates of pay with automatic service related pay progression and annual cost of living increases;

  • Generous annual leave allowance

  • Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries)

  • An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution;

  • Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores;

  • Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation

If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role we would be delighted to hear from you. Informal conversations are welcomed please contact Sylviane Moss smmc2@cam.ac.uk to hear more about this role. For more details please refer to the Further Information below.

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 health assessment.

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.

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 PF39711 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Building Services Manager

Current Vacancies - Mon, 19/02/2024 - 00:00

We are seeking for a dedicated, versatile and proactive Building Services Manager with excellent management skills and a customer-focused attitude to support our Zoology buildings. The Department of Zoology is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students. Our buildings include teaching areas, labs and offices as well as the Museum of Zoology which are based across five buildings, mainly in Central Cambridge. We offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

This varied and rewarding role will require good knowledge and understanding of building operations and facilities management. The role holder will have experience of project management in a scientific environment, as well as an understanding of engineering infrastructure in research facilities. Reporting to the Lab and Facilities Manager, you will lead our buildings support team and be responsible for facility management, maintenance and modification of the building fabric and planned and reactive maintenance. You will directly line manage 4 members of staff and will lead a team of 15. You will be the essential link between the department and the Estates Division.

We are looking for a great team player who is an effective communicator and is able to recognise and respond to the different needs of research groups and professional support staff. Ideally you will have a Level 6 vocational qualifications/degree or an equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of building maintenance, specialised systems and building services is required along with the ability to build good relationships with various stakeholders, including Estates Division and external contractors. You will have proven organisational abilities, strong IT skills and a high attention to detail. Availability for attendance for out of hours work may be necessary on occasions.

What can we offer you:

  • Competitive rates of pay with automatic service related pay progression and annual cost of living increases;

  • Generous annual leave allowance

  • Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries)

  • An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution;

  • Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores;

  • Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation

If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role we would be delighted to hear from you. Informal conversations are welcomed please contact Sylviane Moss smmc2@cam.ac.uk to hear more about this role. For more details please refer to the Further Information below.

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 health assessment.

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.

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 PF39711 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.

Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

About Us:

The Neural Network Development Group (https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/research/cell-and-developmental-biology/neural-network-development) is studying how nervous systems develop and become functional. We work with Drosophila as a model and are seeking a motivated individual with prior experience to support existing activities in our team.

The Role

You will be part of a friendly, collaborative team focused on understanding how early life experiences during so-called 'critical periods' of development have lasting impacts on nervous system function; for example, by determining nerve cell growth and excitability. This project uses the fruit fly, Drosophila, as a model system. We have discovered that different temperatures experienced during development (e.g. hot vs cold) change how the nervous system develops and functions. For example, when a fly embryo experiences heat stress for just two hours, its nervous system develops sub-optimally, and the resultant larva behaves abnormally and is susceptible to seizures. We have discovered a role for metabolic reactive oxygen species in shaping neuromuscular junction development and now seek additional support to explore this more effectively.

Your role includes fly husbandry and genetics, dissections, immuno-staining and imaging of larvae; followed by image data analysis. You will be working closely with other members of the team. This part time role will benefit from a good level of expertise in several of the techniques, though training is available within the team.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Matthias Landgraf at ml10006@cam.ac.uk

The role will be based on site in the Department of Zoology, on a part time basis (20% FTE, ideally over more than one day).

Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (1 side of A4 maximum).

Interview dates: Interviews will be held between 26th and 29th February 2024 and may be conducted remotely.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women andcandidates 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 PF40450 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.

Categories: Current Vacancies

Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Current Vacancies - Sat, 10/02/2024 - 00:00

About Us:

The Neural Network Development Group (https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/research/cell-and-developmental-biology/neural-network-development) is studying how nervous systems develop and become functional. We work with Drosophila as a model and are seeking a motivated individual with prior experience to support existing activities in our team.

The Role

You will be part of a friendly, collaborative team focused on understanding how early life experiences during so-called 'critical periods' of development have lasting impacts on nervous system function; for example, by determining nerve cell growth and excitability. This project uses the fruit fly, Drosophila, as a model system. We have discovered that different temperatures experienced during development (e.g. hot vs cold) change how the nervous system develops and functions. For example, when a fly embryo experiences heat stress for just two hours, its nervous system develops sub-optimally, and the resultant larva behaves abnormally and is susceptible to seizures. We have discovered a role for metabolic reactive oxygen species in shaping neuromuscular junction development and now seek additional support to explore this more effectively.

Your role includes fly husbandry and genetics, dissections, immuno-staining and imaging of larvae; followed by image data analysis. You will be working closely with other members of the team. This part time role will benefit from a good level of expertise in several of the techniques, though training is available within the team.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Matthias Landgraf at ml10006@cam.ac.uk

The role will be based on site in the Department of Zoology, on a part time basis (20% FTE, ideally over more than one day).

Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (1 side of A4 maximum).

Interview dates: Interviews will be held between 26th and 29th February 2024 and may be conducted remotely.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from women andcandidates 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 PF40450 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.