Research Associate: Bumblebee Conservation

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Associate to lead a 1-year project on Bumblebee Conservation, focusing on Bombus muscorum. You will develop a machine learning visual recognition tool bridging field biology and conservation policy.

Based in the Brown Lab, Department of Zoology, you will conduct fieldwork, coordinate scientists and volunteers with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Natural England, and contribute to lab work and project management.

Responsibilities

• Build and evaluate a visual recognition tool for Bombus muscorum.
• Harness machine learning approaches with DNA barcoded photos.
• Fieldwork and coordination of scientists and volunteers.
• Lab work to support tool development.
• Training and supervision of undergraduate/postgraduate students; project management.
• Public engagement activities.

Job description

Research Associate: Bumblebee Conservation

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

GBP 33,002 - 46,049 per year

We are looking for an exceptional, driven postdoctoral researcher to lead a high-impact, 1-year project bridging the gap between machine learning for species identification and real-world insect conservation. You will focus on recovery of the moss carder bee (Bombus muscorum), an iconic bumblebee species classed as 'vulnerable' in the latest European Red List of bees. You will join a Species Recovery Programme project led by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, funded by Natural England. This is an exciting opportunity to develop tools with direct impact on nature recovery and biodiversity policy.

To drive targeted monitoring programmes and inform targeted field surveys, you will build and evaluate a visual recognition tool for this morphologically cryptic species. To achieve this, you will harness machine learning approaches, combined with DNA barcoded species photos. This will require fieldwork, coordination of scientists and volunteers from our partner, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and lab work. This tool will enable real-world conservation interventions.

Joining the vibrant Brown Lab within the Department of Zoology, you will be embedded in a world-leading scientific network as a member of the Cambridge Conservation Research Institute (CCRI) and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) - one of the largest clusters of biodiversity researchers and policy experts on Earth.

Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will be expected to demonstrate scientific independence matching their technical expertise. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members, to supporting and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

Deadline 8 November