skip to content

Department of Zoology

 
Subscribe to Current Vacancies feed Current Vacancies
Current jobs in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.
Updated: 6 min 53 sec ago

Post-doctoral Research Associate: Variation among wild burying beetle populations: behavioural causes and evolutionary consequences (Fixed Term)

Tue, 06/06/2023 - 00:00

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.

Research Assistant x 2 Drosophila Connectomics Research Group (Fixed Term)

Fri, 26/05/2023 - 00:00

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.

Postdoctoral Research Associate x 2: Drosophila Connectomics Research Group (Fixed Term)

Wed, 24/05/2023 - 00:00

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.

HR Administrator

Fri, 12/05/2023 - 00:00

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.

IT Manager (Fixed Term)

Tue, 02/05/2023 - 00:00

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.

Cleaner - Department of Zoology

Fri, 24/03/2023 - 00:00

We are looking for a full-time cleaner to join us at the Department of Zoology. The Department is home to a large and thriving community of researchers delivering world-class research and teaching, on subjects as varied as conservation, animal behaviour, paleobiology or cell and development biology. Their work is supported by our friendly and dynamic professional services team.

The Department of Zoology is based in the centre of Cambridge and consists of a number of buildings including research laboratories, teaching laboratories, offices, communal areas, teaching spaces, toilets. You will be working as part of the Zoology cleaning team carrying out cleaning and various other duties to a high standard in order to maintain and enhance the working environment in the Department. You will be welcomed and supported at Zoology and will also have access to the University of Cambridge benefits (such as shopping discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, childcare vouchers) and initiatives and policies (wellbeing initiatives, family-friendly policies, various staff networks).

You will have a good attention to detail and take pride of your work. You will preferably have experience of cleaning in a scientific setting (laboratories and offices), and be able to prioritise your workload with minimal supervision. The ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and good communication skills are essential.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Sylviane Moss - Laboratory and Facilities Manager (smmc2@cam.ac.uk).Telephone number: 01223 (3)36620

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.

Reasonable requests for flexible work will be considered.

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. Paper copies of application are available upon request.

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

Please quote reference PF36049 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.