Research Support Technicina

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Scotland is seeking a Research Support Technician to assist in behavioural research with zebra finches. The successful candidate will have a background in behavioural neuroscience and experience in avian neurobiology. Responsibilities include supporting experiments and assisting in data collection. This role offers a hybrid working environment and a range of benefits, including generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

Annual leave of 30 days

Generous pension contributions

Hybrid working environment

Staff discount scheme

Free staff parking

Subsidised sports membership

Qualifications

• Background in (Behavioural) Neuroscience.
• Prior experience with avian neurobiology.
• Familiarity with brain collection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support PDRA in conducting nest-building experiments.
• Assist with brain tissue collection.
• Video scoring of courtship and nest-building behaviours.

Skills

Behavioural Neuroscience

Avian neurobiology

Behavioural data collection

Video scoring

Job description

Role Overview

Applications are sought for a committed Research Support Technician to work with Prof Susan Healy and Dr Marie Hebert conducting research for a BBSRC-funded research grant ‘The transition from a parental to a sexual brain via nest building’.

Key Responsibilities

The primary duties will involve: supporting the PDRA in conducting nest-building behavioural experiments on paired zebra finches, assisting with brain tissue collection plus video scoring (e.g., courtship and nest-building behaviours).

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a background in (Behavioural) Neuroscience and prior experience with avian neurobiology, brain collection procedures, and/or behavioural data collection and video scoring.

Contract Information

The post is available for 6 months starting 5th January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 30 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

Contact

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Susan Healy and Dr Marie Hebert, email: [e-mail] and [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Applications are particularly welcome from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Visa and Immigration

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/ or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on [e-mail].