Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

One Research Assistant Position is available in the Marine Behavioural Ecology Group, in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

The Marine Behavioural Ecology Group's research investigates the causes and consequences of animal behaviour, focussing on marine organisms. The questions we ask include; how do animals gather information from their social and physical environment, and how do they use this information to inform their behavioural decisions? What benefits do animals gain from behaving the way they do, and why do they not adopt other behavioural strategies? How do animals adapt their behaviour to different ecological or social environments, and what benefits, costs and constraints do they face when doing so?  We primarily use fishes as model systems to answer these questions. Our research framework uses theory-driven questions, manipulative experimental methods, and highly quantitative data acquisition techniques to analyse and interpret behaviour. We use this framework in controlled laboratory experiments as well as in the field to understand the outstanding diversity of behavioural adaptations in marine organisms.

You will join the Marine Behavioural Ecology Group and be responsible for ensuring the day-to-day running of the group's marine facilities in the Department of Zoology. This will involve caring for the animals, maintaining aquaria equipment and facilities, ordering stock and supplies, installing experimental set-ups, running experiments, and assisting with behavioural experiments under SCUBA in the field. The role will be primarily based on site in the Department of Zoology.

Please upload a copy of your CV (2 sides of A4 maximum) and a covering letter (2 sides of A4 maximum).

Interview dates: Interviews are due to take place week commencing 19th August 2024 and may be conducted remotely.

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 6 months until 28th February 2025 in the first instance starting 1st September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding.

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.

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 PF42612 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.

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