

Director of the University Museum of Zoology and Professorship of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology
The Board of Electors to the Professorship of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology invites applications for this position, which will be held in conjunction with the Directorship of the University Museum of Zoology. The successful applicant will take up appointment from 1 June 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter, and will hold the Professorship until the retirement age. From the start of their appointment, they will also become Director of the University's Museum of Zoology (UMZC), which is embedded within the Department of Zoology. Their continued tenure of the Museum Directorship will be subject to a formal review five years after the start of their appointment, and further renewal of the Directorship may be possible subsequently.
The Museum is an outstanding resource for research, teaching and public engagement. It re-opened in 2018 after significant refurbishment and has roughly two million specimens in its collections, amassed globally over the past two centuries. The Museum attracts over 150,000 visitors each year and shares a building with the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI. The new Director will capitalize on these unique qualities of the Museum in providing effective and engaged leadership. They will continue to develop the Museum's highly successful programme of public engagement, and continue to position the Museum in the wider academic community as a key open resource for multidisciplinary research within Cambridge, nationally and internationally.
The Department of Zoology seeks to appoint a scientist of outstanding calibre. Our new colleague will be recognised internationally for the originality and impact of their research in evolutionary biology or ecology (or both), with the potential for links to conservation biology. For example, the successful candidate might carry out research in ecology that is linked to reversing biodiversity loss, or understanding adaptations to climate change. Or their research might develop links with colleagues in other Departments within the School of Biological Sciences by using eco-evo-devo approaches in evolutionary biology, or through work in genomic evolution. Or their work could develop research in the 'Environment and Sustainability' theme of the University's Strategic Research Initiative which is centred on its collections ("Collections, Connections, Communities"). We welcome applications from people whose research builds and develops large genomic, phenotypic or environmental datasets, for analysis with novel techniques to address key environmental challenges.
The Professor will be based in Cambridge. Standard professorial duties include teaching and research, examining, supervision and administration. As Director of the Museum, the Professor will be expected to join the Department's Senior Leadership Team, A competitive salary will be offered.
Applications, consisting of a cover letter of application, a statement of current and future research plans (of up to 4 pages), a curriculum vitae and a publications list, along with details of three referees should be made online no later than 22 January 2024. The cover letter should explain how the applicant meets the criteria in the Person Specification (set out in the Further Particulars). It should also describe how the applicant proposes to position the Museum in the wider academic community as a key open resource for multidisciplinary research within Cambridge, nationally and internationally.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further information on the University and the Professorship is available at: www.cam.ac.uk and www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/professorships or contact the Human Resources, University Offices, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TT, (email: professorships@admin.cam.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Rebecca Kilner, Convenor of Board of Electors and Head of the Zoology Department email: HoD@zoo.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PF39553 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.
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Drosophila Connectomics Research Group (Part Time, Fixed Term)
A Research Associate post is available to start as soon as possible in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.
Applicants will have a dual remit to carry out scientific research and assist in the smooth running of the group (up to 20% FTE). The research focus is electron-microscopy connectomics by proofreading and analysis of automatically segmented reconstructions of neurons and their connectivity, performing graph/circuit analyses etc. to obtain biological insight. A background in neurobiology with experience in Drosophila neuroanatomy, connectomics and some quantitative preparation is expected.
The successful candidate will join a team based in Zoology with 15 team members, carrying out data processing and analysis on computer-assisted neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US as well as experimental groups in Oxford (Scott Waddell) and Cambridge (Greg Jefferis), but particularly with the latter. The candidate will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the project's scientific aims. This will be critical to setting priorities as it 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 PI jointly based in Zoology and the MRC LMB and will receive training from experienced post-docs as well as benefiting from courses organised at the University level. The postholder will also contribute to general project management of the group e.g. through interaction with junior researchers and external funders, as well as participating in public engagement activities.
The role will be based on site in the Department of Zoology, with hybrid working arrangements possible following agreement.
Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (2 sides of A4 maximum).
Interview dates: Interviews on the 14th or 15th December 2023 - may be conducted remotely.
Fixed-term: The position is part time (50%) for 2 years, the funds for this post are available up until 31st December 2025.
The postholder will be expected to work on site at least two days per week, including Fridays.
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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Megan Norkett (hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PF39514 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.
Professor of Biotic Interactions
The School of Biological Sciences is pleased to invite applications for three new Professor posts, available from October 2024: - Professor of Biotic Interactions - Professor of Evolutionary Networks - Professor of Integrative and Systems Neuroscience
The posts align with the School's research strategy to foster innovative research across disciplinary boundaries.
The focus of the Professor of Biotic Interactions will be to build a world-leading research programme, deliver excellent teaching, and to positively engage with academic leadership both in the home Department(s) and across the School of Biological Sciences.
The successful applicant will have an excellent track record working on biotic interactions, with a particular interest in animal-plant interactions to build strategic strength in the Organisms, Evolution and Ecology Research Theme. Applicants working at scales ranging from interactions between organisms to higher levels of organisation such as communities and ecosystems are particularly welcomed.
We welcome applications from those whose research programme aims to improve our understanding of inter-specific interactions and their response to global environmental challenges such that climate-smart solutions can be designed and implemented in the future. Work that provides solutions to global issues would be of interest. Research could include the application of molecular biology and genomics to better understand animal-plant interactions, cross-kingdom interactions and ecology. Research could also include work in poorly studied ecosystems such as soil or extreme environments, or at multiple scales, from organisms upwards, or make use of Artificial Intelligence.
Academic responsibilities associated with this role will include delivering undergraduate and postgraduate lectures, practical classes and small group supervisions, engaging with the Research Theme initiatives, and positively contributing to the inclusive and collaborative ethos of the School. Mentoring and professional development of staff and students is expected as part of our inclusive and supportive community.
We particularly welcome applications from women, candidates who identify as Black or Asian and those who consider themselves to be racialized minorities, as they are currently under-represented at this level in the School of Biological Sciences. We offer mentoring and access to inclusion networks to support and empower individuals and enable an inclusive research culture.
Applications, including a 1500-word statement on current and future research plans, a curriculum vitae and publications list, a brief narrative (maximum 300 words per output) on your three most significant outputs a one-page statement on your teaching experience, contributions to open research and research culture improvement, and your perspective on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, along with three referees' details, should be submitted online by 25 January 2024.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), and we are committed to assessing research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or journal titles as a proxy for research quality in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, you will be required to undergo a basic disclosure and a security check.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Philippa Rosselli, admin@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PF39395 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.
IT Manager (Fixed Term)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students. We are looking for a proactive IT professional with depth and breadth of technical expertise and a customer-focused attitude, to manage and improve IT services and support within the Department.
This post will be responsible for the specification and delivery of IT services to the Department and will provide guidance and support on a diverse range of IT issues. The post holder will be expected to work closely with the Clinical School Computing Service (CSCS) who currently provide managed IT services to the Department. S/he will be active in identifying and solving IT problems across the Department, collaborating with colleagues in CSCS or University Information Service (UIS) as appropriate, and increasing the level of support to all staff and students.
Applicants should have a degree in a technical or scientific subject, or substantial relevant experience, with a strong computing or IT management background. Experience of maintaining and managing complex IT systems is essential, and experience in a higher education or research environment is desirable. Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong and productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders will be critical to success.
Reporting to the Department Administrator, the post holder will represent the Department on University level IT groups, committees and projects. This post will work closely with the Head of Information Technology and Digital Transformation at the School of Biological Sciences and with the service managers of CSCS and the UIS, promoting Departmental priorities. The post is supported by a Departmental IT Committee, and a friendly and helpful community of IT specialists in other departments across the school.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, listening, written and oral communication skills. You will need to be able to work well under pressure and to meet tight deadlines with attention to detail, and you will need to be able to understand, negotiate and manage business expectations. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, conscientious, and a team player.
You will need to be flexible in your approach to the needs of the department. Visibility and accessibility will be essential for success, and it is expected that this role will be based in the department in order to be able to provide close, in-person support. Some out-of-hours work may be required on an infrequent basis. The Department actively encourages and promotes career training, development and progression and we offer an encouraging, supportive and inclusive working environment.
If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role, we'd be delighted to hear from you ¿ come and join us! Internal candidates who would like to apply for this role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University will also be considered.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for three years.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF39288 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.
Conference Administrator (Part Time, Fixed Term)
We are looking for a part-time Conference Administrator for the Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS).
The conference is an exceptionally successful annual event, now in its 24th year and replicated across six other countries. It is aimed at students actively engaged in conservation science worldwide, and has a bursary programme to support students from developing and Eastern European countries. The conference is held in Cambridge every March for ~180 delegates and is live-streamed online. For more, see https://www.sccs-cam.org/
The position is a part-time role, with the administrator working an average of 25 hours a week. However, a degree of flexibility is required, as the workload varies throughout the year, and is weighted more heavily Sep-Mar and less heavily over the rest of the year. The Conference Administrator will be a member of the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge and based in the David Attenborough Building, Downing Street, Cambridge.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2025 in the first instance with the possibility of extension to 31 July 2026 (Subject to availability of funds).
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.
Interviews will be held on 8 January 2024, with the position starting - in order to overlap with the next conference and current postholder on 25 March.
Informal inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to:
Rachel Spring Email: rs842@cam.ac.uk
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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF39205 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.
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
About Us:
The Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) is dedicated to using a digital approach to direct climate finance to where it is most needed. We're seeking a motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary team. If you have excellent critical thinking skills, experience in coding, and a passion for nature conservation, we want to hear from you.
The role
As a Research Assistant, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing analytical approaches to produce unambiguous evaluations of conservation and restoration impact. These approaches combine open-source algorithms with data from remotely deployed satellites and sensors. Your role includes evaluating project design documents, collating pertinent data, and presenting results in various formats.
Key Responsibilities:
Evaluate project design documents meticulously, collating and curating pertinent data and narrative information.
Assess project performance using 4C's innovative valuation methodologies.
Prepare reports for the centre's head of science and other stakeholders, facilitating the expansion of climate change mitigation through the conservation and restoration of nature.
Collaborate within the centre and with external stakeholders to refine methodologies.
Work closely with team members to automate reproducible data collection and analysis.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Proficiency in handling various data types, including tabular and geospatial data.
Experience with statistical software such as R or Python.
Familiarity with Git and GitHub for sharing analyses.
Some experience with high-performance computing (desirable).
Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term goals proactively in a fast-paced professional setting.
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.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Tom Swinfield at tws36@cam.ac.uk.
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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF38547 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.
Museum Events and Booking Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)
Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a buzzing and friendly community of researchers, students, and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world. The Museum of Zoology, part of Department of Zoology, holds a collection of approximately two million specimens covering the entire animal kingdom, past and present, around 5,000 of which are on public display. The collections are designated as being of outstanding national and international significance, and are vitally important for our knowledge of the history of fauna around the world. The Museum is also one of Cambridge's major visitor attractions, welcoming over 100,000 visitors a year. Our public engagement team provides a wide range of opportunities for our visitors and school groups.
We are recruiting a Museum Events and Bookings Assistant, in order to grow the Museum's capacity for corporate hire to raise funds to support our mission. This is an exciting role with varied responsibilities. Working as part of the Operations and Visitor Services team, you will provide support to the Business and Visitor Services Manager with venue hire administration, including liaising with clients during the booking process and attending evening events. You will assist team members with activities such as coordinating group bookings, collating visitor data for reporting purposes and overseeing the implementation of volunteer led Gallery activities. This position also includes working with the Public Engagement team to support the Museum's learning programmes. This will involve assisting with the preparation of public engagement events, including event advertising through the use of social media, and taking responsibility for event ticketing.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and versatile individual who has experience working within a customer focused or event management role. Previous experience in a museum setting is desirable but not essential. This role requires excellent communication skills, and a desire to inform, enthuse and motivate others. You should be a good team player, and with strong organisational skills you will be accustomed to working to targets and deadlines. This position could be your chance to kick-start your career in either the museum or events sector, and contribute to the success of the Museum of Zoology. So, what are you waiting for? Join us now and make a difference!
The successful applicant will have access to a broad range of staff benefits and personal development opportunities including discounts at a wide range of local and national businesses and educational opportunities available exclusively to University of Cambridge employees.
You will be required to work on site and the appointment is offered on a fixed term (3 years), part time basis (0.8 FTE). Working hours include a full day (9am-5pm/7hrs) on Saturdays as part of the normal working week. The remaining hours (21.2hrs) should be spread across the week, with working pattern to be agreed. The role also requires regular evening working.
If you are interested in this role please contact Lisa Sneath, Business and Visitor Services Manager, ls761@cam.ac.uk for an informal discussion of the role.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for three years.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
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 candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF38508 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.
Group Leader Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme
Are you planning to submit a senior research fellowship* application from April 2024? The Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge seeks Expressions of Interest from early career researchers who wish to be sponsored for externally funded fellowships that will allow them to start an independent research group in our Department.
We offer a programme of support that will help you to establish your independence as an academic researcher, including assistance with your fellowship application and setting up your lab, as well as mentoring and training to help you develop your career. Research fellows will also have access to the comprehensive package of ongoing support available from the School of Biological Sciences https://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/research/research-fellowships.
During the past 10 years, every one of our Senior Research Fellows has secured a lectureship or equivalent position at leading international universities and research institutes.
About the Department of Zoology
We are a thriving community of researchers whose research investigates how animal life evolved, how it functions, and how it persists today. The Department comprises of more than 30 research groups, working at every level of biological organization from genes to ecosystems. We are keen to increase diversity in our academic staff and particularly encourage expressions of interest from women and BAME applicants.
Our dynamic intellectual environment includes the world-leading Cambridge Conservation Institute and University Museum of Zoology, and provides opportunities for collaboration in research themes that span the School of Biological Sciences (https://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/research/research-themes ) and the wider university (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/research-at-cambridge/strategic-research-initiatives-networks ). The School of Biological Sciences has state of the art facilities in imaging, high performance computing and bioinformatics.
Our research strengths currently lie in behaviour and neuroscience, conservation science, ecology and all aspects of evolutionary biology (including biomechanical adaptations, evo-devo, evolutionary genomics, evolutionary ecology, palaeontology, social evolution and viral evolution).
How to apply for support
Please address informal enquires to the Head of Department Professor Rebecca Kilner HoD@zoo.cam.ac.uk
To make an application, please email the following to admin@zoo.cam.ac.uk by 17:00 GMT on Monday 13th November 2023:
A CV including a list of publications (highlighting the three publications that you consider to be most significant). Applicants are welcome to use the R4RI narrative format for academic CVs, but this is not a requirement https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/research-culture/tools-for-support/resume-for-researchers/
Two references sent directly to admin@zoo.cam.ac.uk
A two page outline of your intended research programme
A statement of why you would like to work in the Department
A brief outline of the facilities you would need during a Fellowship
We will shortlist the fellowship applicants we would like to support by Friday 1st December. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Department to meet the academic staff and give a seminar in the week beginning 15 January 2024.
*Target fellowship schemes include: NERC Independent Fellowship, ERC Starting / Consolidator Grant, The Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards, Royal Society University Research Fellowship, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, Branco-Weiss Research Fellowship.
For more information about the Senior Research Fellowship Support Programme please visit our website (https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/senior-research-fellowship-schemes)
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF38284 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.
Post-doctoral Research Associate: Leakage Impact of Forest Restoration (Fixed Term)
Fixed-term: Funds for this position are available for two years.
We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to develop a remote sensing framework for quantifying the extent of leakage from forest restoration activities in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Amazon biomes and the associated impacts on carbon and biodiversity.
The project is a partnership between the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) and re-green. 4C aims to verify the claims and consequences of nature-based climate solutions. re.green is a new Brazilian organisation aiming to undertake extensive restoration of Brazil's Atlantic and Amazon forests. This partnership focuses on applying 4C's analytical methods to the real-world restoration activities being pioneered by re.green, in order to enhance both 4C's understanding of forest restoration and re-green's capacity to document its impacts.
Your role in the project is to develop methods to assess the extent of leakage of agricultural production from forest restoration sites and its consequences for both carbon and biodiversity. You will bring together ground-based data provided by re.green with appropriate remotely-sensed datasets in order to measure and track leakage resulting from forest restoration.
You will be self-motivated and able to work efficiently to meet deadlines and in collaboration with external organisations and individuals. You will hold a PhD in a relevant subject and have effective written and verbal communication skills. You will have the ability to communicate with a range of audiences and be able to curate, analyse and interpret large and complex data sets to peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit. Knowledge of forest and agricultural land use change dynamics in Brazil and local agricultural datasets is essential, as is experience in handling remotely-derived datasets. Understanding of counterfactual pixel matching techniques is highly desirable. You must also be able to travel to Brazil for repeated visit with re.green partners. Fluency in Portuguese desirable.
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.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Andrew Balmford Email: apb12@cam.ac.uk.
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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF38259 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.