Research Assistant - Connectomics Research Group (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant in the Connectomics Group within the Department of Zoology. The role focuses on proofreading, annotating, and analyzing the first mosquito brain connectome, with initial emphasis on chemosensory circuits related to human host-seeking.

You will handle electron-microscopy data, annotate reconstructions, and develop analysis tools. A background in neurobiology and quantitative skills in bioinformatics or computer science are essential.

Qualifications

• Background in neurobiology and/or strong quantitative preparation (e.g., bioinformatics/computer science).
• Experience with data analysis workflows and visual data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Work with electron-microscopy image data to annotate reconstructions.
• Proofread and annotate automatically segmented neuron reconstructions.
• Develop open-source tools for data analysis/processing.
• Perform neuron morphology, connectivity, and graph/circuit analyses to derive biological insights.

Skills

Neurobiology

Bioinformatics

Computer Science

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Neurobiology degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

A Research Assistant post is available in the Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

Dr Elizabeth Marin and Dr Greg Jefferis have obtained a collaborative Wellcome Discovery Award to proofread, annotate, and analyse the first mosquito brain connectome, with an initial focus on the chemosensory circuits involved in human host-seeking. Applicants will work with electron-microscopy image data, annotate and proofread automatically segmented reconstructions of neurons, develop open source tools for data analysis/processing, and perform neuron morphology, connectivity, graph/circuit analyses etc. to obtain biological insight. A background in neurobiology and/or a strong quantitative preparation (e.g. in bioinformatics/computer science) and sustained attention to visual detail will be essential.

The successful candidate will join a team based in Zoology with 15 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team at Harvard Medical School (Wei-Chung Allen Lee) as well as experimental groups at the MRC LMB in Cambridge (Greg Jefferis) and Boston University (Meg Younger). 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 co-Principal Investigator based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to the training of new team members as the group expands, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 2 years, with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 3 September 2026.

The interview for this role is expected to take place during the week commencing Monday, 14 September 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely in exceptional circumstances.

For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document

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.

Part-time working or other flexible working arrangements will be considered.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Greg Jefferis [email: [e-mail]] and Dr Elizabeth Marin [email: [e-mail]]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Zoology HR Office [email: [e-mail]]

Please quote reference PF50555 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.