Research Associate: Bumblebee Conservation (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Moss carder bee recovery post-doctoral researcher to lead a 12-month project bridging machine learning for species identification and real-world conservation. You will work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, coordinate field surveys, and contribute to policy-relevant biodiversity outcomes.

Reporting to Professor Mark Brown, you will develop a visual recognition tool, engage volunteers, and support training of junior researchers while

Responsibilities

• Lead a 12-month project bridging machine learning for species identification with practical insect conservation.
• Coordinate fieldwork and lab work, guiding scientists and volunteers from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
• Develop, evaluate and implement a visual recognition tool for Moss carder bee (Bombus muscorum).
• Support training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students and contribute to project management and public engagement.

Job description

Moss carder bee recovery post-doc opportunityWe 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.The post will be supervised by Professor Mark Brown. The preferred start date is 1 April 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document.The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 8 November 2026The interview for this role is expected to take place between 30 November 2026 and 4 December 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely in exceptional circumstances.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 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.Flexible working requests will be considered (such as part-time).For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Mark Brown [email: [e-mail]].For any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Zoology HR Office [email: [e-mail]]Please quote reference PF51346 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.Apply online