Research Assistant x 2 Connectomics Research Group (fixed term)

Economicsnetwork; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the field of neurobiology is seeking motivated Research Assistants to join their innovative Connectomics Group. This exciting opportunity involves working with cutting-edge electron microscopy data to analyze and annotate the mosquito brain connectome, focusing on chemosensory circuits. Candidates will collaborate closely with an international team, gaining valuable experience in data processing and scientific independence. This role not only offers a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research but also provides opportunities for professional development and public engagement within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with neuron morphology and connectivity analysis.
• Strong quantitative skills for data analysis and processing.

Responsibilities

• Proofread and annotate mosquito brain connectome data.
• Develop tools for data analysis and perform circuit analyses.

Skills

Neurobiology

Bioinformatics

Computer Science

Data Analysis

Team Collaboration

Education

Degree in Biology or related field

Experience in data processing

Tools

Electron Microscopy

Open Source Tools

Job description

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

We have obtained a Wellcome Discovery Award to proofread, annotate, and analyse the first mosquito brain connectome, with a 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 or a strong quantitative preparation (e.g. in bioinformatics/computer science) will be helpful.

Successful candidates 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 in the US as well as experimental groups in Cambridge (Greg Jefferis) and Boston (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 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.

Interview dates: Interview in Cambridge between 16th and 20th June 2025 (may be conducted remotely under exceptional circumstances).

Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available for two years, with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding. available for 2 years in the first instance.

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.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

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

Email: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Please quote reference PF45916 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.

£32,546 to £35,116 per annum