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School of the Biological Sciences

 

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Global Coastal Wetlands Research Group

A Research Associate post is available in the Global Coastal Wetlands Research Group directed by Thomas Worthington in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

The applicant will work on large-scale understanding of coastal wetlands - primarily mangrove forests and tidal marshes. This will include mapping and modelling of distribution, value, condition, and opportunities for restoration. The work will be highly collaborative, notably with The Nature Conservancy, but also with academic, NGO, and other partners.

The Project's main goal will be to improve our understanding of these ecosystems as a means to support conservation interventions, including protection and restoration. Outputs will inform both international and local interventions, for the benefit of biodiversity and the many stakeholders who benefit from these ecosystems. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant subject such as interdisciplinary ocean science, or ecology and preferably a good understanding of the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. The successful candidate will also require strong technical skills in terms of statistical and spatial analyses, and the ability to coordinate and manage large datasets.

The successful candidate will be based in the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI)'s David Attenborough Building in central Cambridge, which provides exceptional opportunities for applied interdisciplinary collaboration. The candidate will have the opportunity develop a large network of research collaborators based at universities and non-governmental organizations. The work is on site.

There will be the potential for the Research Associate to work with researchers based at The Nature Conservancy, contributing to research across different themes, which will include looking across the seascape at the three main coastal wetlands - tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses.

When applying please pay special attention to the personal specifications as these form the basis of the selection process. Please explain clearly how you meet the essential and, where possible, the desirable criteria. Please do not include degree certificates and transcripts, or pdfs of published papers as these will not be reviewed.

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 Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF45834 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Research Programme Manager (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Programme Manager to support and manage the programme of research at the Adaptive Brain Lab: ABL (http://abg.psychol.cam.ac.uk) and the AI-deas BrainHealth Hub (https://www.abg.psychol.cam.ac.uk/brainhealth-hub) in the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge.

You will have responsibility for co-ordinating research activity, managing a number of large scale grants and providing a broad range of administrative services to support our diverse and cross-disciplinary research programme in day-to-day running. The our team works in the area of cognitive neuroscience with an emphasis on understanding the neural basis of human learning and cognition. In collaboration with computer scientists, engineers and clinicians the lab leads a cross-disciplinary research programme for early prediction of brain health disorders.

The Research Programme Manager is a wide-ranging position, which would suit a self-motivated, dynamic individual who is experienced in working in a diverse team and able to perform effectively under multiple demands. This includes pre- and post-award research grant administration, co-ordinating the production of research documentation, financial management of resources, organising research ethics and databases and ensuring research compliance for studies. You will manage large scale grants in order to ensure efficient and effective operation of the lab, develop strategy in relation to funding applications, and co-ordinate team science activities (e.g. meetings, workshops) across research teams and external partners (e.g. industry, charities).

You should be educated to first degree level and have some administrative experience, ideally within a research setting. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively, meet objectives and milestones are essential, as is a meticulous attention to detail. Comprehensive IT skills for administration including the use of databases are required. You will have a high standard of numeracy with proven ability in budget creation and managing resources are essential. You are expected to demonstrate a proven ability to summarise information and provide advice, manage and communicate with diverse teams, meet deadlines and support delivery of research outputs and provide a high level of professional service in the daily management of ABL.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For informal inquiries, please contact Professor Zoe Kourtzi at zk240@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Thursday 15th May 2025 at 12 Midnight

Interview Date to be confirmed

Please quote reference PJ45823 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Client Services Administrator

We have an exciting opportunity for a personable and effective administrator to work in the Client Services function of the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH). This position is full-time and operates on a rota system to cover the hospital reception's opening hours, which are currently Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm.

The Client Service Administrator is the first point of contact within the Small Animal Hospital aiming to provide a first-class customer service, rotating between front desk and telephone to provide all front-of-house services, therefore a friendly, calm and confident communicator is essential. You will be responsible for receiving incoming calls and emails, processing payments, booking appointments, and liaising with clients, referring veterinary practices, QVSH clinicians, nurses and students. You should have experience of working in a busy administrative role, have excellent customer care skills, be numerate, accurate and have an eye for detail.

You must be efficient and experienced in Microsoft Office packages and have the ability to establish professional and effective working relationships with the wider team. Excellent organisation skills, attention to detail and flexibility are all essential parts of the role.

In return, we offer an encouraging and nurturing environment and have a dedicated team of clinicians and nurses who are committed to providing the best care for our patients.

Benefits: - Generous paid annual leave including bank holidays - Defined benefit pension scheme - Enhanced family friendly policies - Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team - Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling - Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers - Cycle to work scheme - Travel to work loans - Eye care voucher scheme - Discounted gym membership

There may also be a requirement to participate in a weekend working, for which additional remuneration will be made in line with the University Policy.

For informal enquiries please contact the Clinical HR Team, by email on: qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference PP45802 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please outline in your job application how you meet the essential criteria set out in the Further Particulars.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department visit: www.vet.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 11th of May. Interviews will be held on the 21st of May.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or extend it if we do not receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Development (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the group of Dr Alexander Jones at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University. Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, Genetics, or related field. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level (Grade 5) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon the award of PhD.

The cellular dynamics of the plant hormones underpin all aspects of plant development and environmental responses. Targeted perturbations of phytohormones such as abscisic acid and auxin have great potential to reprogram plant development. The project involves two aims: (1) discovery of how plant hormones respond to environmental stresses that are expected in the more extreme climates of the future and (2) redesigning root development via fine-scale perturbations of hormone dynamics with minimal off-target effects. The Jones group at SLCU has recently engineered a series of high-resolution FRET biosensors to track such dynamics for gibberellin, abscisic acid, auxin and salicylic acid in living plants.

The Jones group combines imaging of FRET biosensors with high-resolution genetic and biochemical perturbations to understand phytohormone cellular dynamics. This post will involve use of existing plants expressing biosensors to illuminate previously undetectable cellular and subcellular hormone patterns in vivo. The project's outcomes will be a mechanistic understanding of how and why hormone accumulations or depletions are modulated in space and time and application of this understanding to reprogram root developmental plasticity. We also collaborate with mathematicians to build multi-scale understanding of these complex and important signaling pathways.

For general information, please see a recent talk by Dr. Jones on YouTube (from 1hr30min to 2hrs of the video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLL-mJ7KaE&list=PLoARHFjEDBUWi7F6lLrY-3rseZfF1HX3) and consult the Jones team website (https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/jones-group).

Foundations in molecular biology and confocal microscopy are required, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies. We particularly welcome candidates with advanced knowledge of and a proven track record in hormone biology or root development. Proficiency in plant developmental biology generally, molecular cloning, synthetic biology, systems biology, computational modelling, and image analysis would also be valuable to the role.

The successful applicant will be an excellent team player, highly solution orientated and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and with others, with a high degree of accuracy including outstanding record keeping. The Jones group is looking for a person keen to work in a highly collaborative set-up and enthusiastic to join our diverse and interdisciplinary team. Solid communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers at SLCU with different scientific backgrounds. Candidates should also demonstrate a history of science communication (e.g. presentations, outreach activities, teaching).

The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to alexander.jones@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

For questions regarding the application process, please email HR@slcu.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PT45791 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

2025-05-06 17:30 - Echoes on the map: unveiling the auditory history of late Ottoman Istanbul through digital cartography

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 13:41
A talk by Onur Engin (University of Cambridge) in the 'Cambridge Seminars in the History of Cartography' series.

2025-05-28 17:00 - A Maker of Chocolate and Bibles: Francis Fry’s Collecting, Correcting and Cataloguing

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 08:28
Dr Harry Spillane will explore Victorian book collecting habits through chocolate heir Francis Fry's immense collection of bibles.

2025-06-04 17:00 - Hidden in Plain White: Aztec Articulations of Catholic Lessons

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 08:27
Dr Joshua Fitzgerald's talk will delve into a rare 16th-century Aztec translation of Latin scriptures and uncover its hidden lessons.

2025-05-07 18:00 - Queer Classics on Film: Sebastiane

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 08:27
An afterhours film screening of Derek Jarman's queer classic, Sebastiane

2025-05-29 14:00 - Animal Antics

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 08:27
An afternoon of crafts and ancient animal antics at the Museum of Classical Archaeology

2025-05-03 10:00 - Pollinators Craft Workshop

What's on in the University - Thu, 24/04/2025 - 08:27
Join us for a craft workshop all about pollinators!

Research Assistant/ Research Associate in Placental Biology (Fixed Term)

Join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate in Placental Biology.

The McGovern and Aiken labs are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant /Associate in placental biology to join our teams. Our research aims to understand host-pathogen interactions at the maternal-fetal interface and factors mediating placental development and function.

The McGovern & Aiken Labs:

The team of Naomi McGovern is based at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge. It focuses on characterising human placental cells and determining how they fight transplacental infection. This includes work with trophoblast organoids, placental macrophages, Listeria monocytogenes and human cytomegalovirus. To develop our understanding of these cells, we utilise a range of technologies including proteomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches.

https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/immunology-division/mcgovern-group

https://www.mcgovernlab.com/

The team of Catherine Aiken is based at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge. They investigate the mechanisms by which sub-optimal nutrition in early life can affect reproductive ageing, the impact of this on population health and effects across generations.

About the role:

Your project will aim to develop human trophoblast culture systems. You will generate and characterise trophoblast culture systems from first trimester and term placentas. You will use these models to understand how placental cells respond to infection and certain drugs, and how these responses change across gestation. You will use a range of techniques including confocal microscopy, bioinformatics and infection assays in CL2 facilities.

Main duties:

  • Generate, maintain and characterise organoid and macrophage culture systems.
  • Design, implementation, and application of infection and drug assays.
  • Statistical analysis and data visualisation.
  • To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
  • To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
  • To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
  • To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
  • To contribute to public engagement events.
  • To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the team.

Further information can be found in the attached Further Particulars document.

You will have:

  • A PhD in immunology or cellular biology, or near completion.
  • Experience with 'omics data sets.
  • A proven track record of research (e.g., publication record)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working with advanced tissue culture systems, e.g. organoids
  • Ability to work as part of a team.

Please note, applicants who are close to PhD submission are welcome to apply. Without PhD submission, appointment would be made at Grade 5 Research Assistant until submission.

Desirable:

  • Experience in working with infection assays such as HCMV or Listeria monocytogenes.

Why join us?

  • Contribute to cutting-edge immunology research with real-world implications.
  • Collaborate with experts across the fields of immunology, virology, microbiology, and placental biology.
  • Work in a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Naomi McGovern: nm390@cam.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK45798 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Departmental Facilities Assistant (Fixed Term, 1 year)

Be part of something different!

The Department of Zoology is one of the largest Departments in the School of Biological Sciences and has a highly active research and teaching programme. The Museum is one of Cambridge's major attractions. Join our team of committed Professional Services Staff which offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the Zoology at Cambridge.

We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and enthusiastic individual to join our Facilities Management team. You will have good DIY skills, and a basic understanding of plant rooms, but more importantly the willingness to learn. Duties will include daily checks of plant equipment, general maintenance, minor redecoration, fire safety testing and porterage. You will be part of our growing Building Services team, and you will liaise with contractors, Estates Division staff and departmental staff.

You will have a customer focused approach, and ideally, you will have worked in a similar role. You will be IT literate, although training will be given in the use of specific systems. Experience working in the University or in a laboratory setting would be advantageous, but it is not a requirement. You will have technical aptitude and the ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Good communication skills, good time keeping, showing flexibility and remaining calm under pressure are essential.

This full-time position requires the post-holder to work on-site Monday to Friday, with a starting time between 7.30 and 8.30am, and availability for attendance for out-of-hours work may be necessary on occasions.

As an employee, you will have access to a range of excellent University of Cambridge benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, comprehensive maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlement, various family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries), an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a generous employer contribution, shopping discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores, the opportunity to participate in the cycle-to-work scheme, access to University of Cambridge training and many more.

We offer a welcoming work environment where you will feel valued, are encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

If you have the skills, experience and personality to succeed in this role we would be delighted to hear from you.

Informal conversations are welcomed. Please contact Glyn Theobald, Building Services Manager (gt465@cam.ac.uk), to hear more about this role.

For more details please refer to the Further Information below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year.

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 standard Disclosure and Barring Service 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 PF45805 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

We are seeking a motivated and skilled research assistant to join our interdisciplinary team working on the development of a novel mathematical model to estimate water table depth in global peatlands. The successful candidate will contribute to the project through advanced image processing of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite product and the application of linear mixed-effects models and machine learning algorithms. These methods will be merged to support the derivation of an analytical equation for water table depth estimation.

The ideal candidate will have experience in image processing, statistical modelling, and machine learning. Familiarity with field data collection or related environmental sciences is highly desirable. Additionally, experience with API development and basic web design would be advantageous, as the final product will be delivered as an accessible digital tool for farmers and related researchers.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data science, environmental modelling, and field research, contributing to a high-impact project aimed at supporting peatland management.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Please quote reference PD45801 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the laboratory of Dr Taufiq Rahman (https://www.phar.cam.ac.uk/research/rahman) at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge.

The project is an international collaborative one and multidisciplinary aiming to investigate the molecular mechanism(s) of few approved drugs that manifest potent antihypertensive effect through reducing arterial smooth muscle contractility and thus can be potentially repurposed for hypertension. We have already identified a target protein for these drugs. Therefore, the main aim for the project is to biophysically (through SPR/ITC), computationally (through MD simulation) and structurally (through solving crystal structure of the protein with drug bound) characterise the ligand-protein interaction.

The candidate should have proven experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins, from molecular biology/biochemical experiments (e.g. DNA cloning and mutagenesis, protein purification) through to structural data collection, processing and model building is essential. Some experience in biophysical assays such as SPR/ITC is highly desirable. Experience in running MD simulation will clearly be an added advantage but not essential. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills are required. Other duties/responsibilities include developing/driving research objectives, writing up work for presentation/publication purposes, and assisting in supervising undergraduate/postgraduate student research projects.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD in structural biology Biophysics, Biochemistry or any related discipline. Successful candidates who have not been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as a Research Assistant at Grade 5 (£32,546 - £35,116). Upon the award of the PhD the individual will be promoted to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£37,174 - £45,413).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 15th June 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, for 12 months in the first instance with the possibility of renewal for 3 more subsequent years.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities and particularly welcomes application from women, black and minority ethnic candidates. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

The online application is to include your personal details, names and addresses of referees, as well as your CV, research publications list and cover letter outlining your interest in the project.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Taufiq Rahman (mtur2@cam.ac.uk)

For enquiries about the online application process, please contact the HR Team, hr@phar.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PL45787 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

2025-06-07 19:30 - Schubert’s Winterreise with Jean-François Rouchon and Billy Eidi

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
A performance of one of the greatest song cycles by Schubert, a work of exceptional depth and emotional intensity.

2025-05-17 19:30 - Peihan Francesca He and Patrick Hemmerlé

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
In this concert, Clare Hall is happy to present one of the brightest young talents emerging on the international scene.

2025-05-12 18:00 - St Catharine's Political Economy Seminar Series - Ugo Gentilini - “What Are We Learning from 2,500 Years of Cash Transfers?”

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
Date: 12 May 2025 Time: 18:00 -19:30 Speaker: Ugo Gentilini Talk Title: '“What Are We Learning from 2,500 Years of Cash Transfers?” Location: Ramsden Room, St Catharine's College

2025-05-09 16:00 - Eddington Beer Garden

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
With a dash of sunny weather, a sprinkle of great vibes, and a wedge of excellent company, we welcome the return of the Eddington Beer Garden.

2025-05-03 14:00 - True Cut: Biopsies from the hidden heart of healthcare

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
A workshop about making and living with mistakes, with surgeon, educator and writer David Alderson and visual artist Kirsten Lavers

2025-05-06 09:00 - Admitting the Possibilities of Error: Conceptual drawings by Kirsten Lavers

What's on in the University - Tue, 22/04/2025 - 09:51
Through her work, Kirsten Lavers creates possibilities for conversations around our desire for perfection and discomfort with fallibility.