Research Assistant

About the Role
The University of Essex is looking to recruit a Research Assistant to assist with the Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF), Is evolution predictable? Unlocking fundamental biological insights using new machine learning methods.

You will provide research assistance and support that contributes to the development of the Future Leaders Fellowship project 'Is evolution predictable? Unlocking fundamental biological insights using new machine learning methods', particularly digital data acquisition including museum specimen digitisation.

The main duties of the post will include:

1. Playing a key role in collecting, processing and utilising data for the Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF: 'Is evolution predictable? Unlocking fundamental biological insights using new machine learning methods', Grant Ref: MR/X033880/1), particularly its museum specimen image datasets.
2. Conducting work digitising specimens in museums including The University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology.
3. Using, and contributing to the development of, automated pipelines for digital data acquisition and processing, including using the Python programming language.
4. Liaising between museum staff and the FLF team to facilitate data collection and use.
5. Conducting reviews of existing image data and scientific literature.
6. Preparation of digital data sets, such as 3D digital models using software such as Blender.
7. Collection and documentation of published data and museum specimen metadata, such as taxonomy using software such as Excel.
8. Creating graphics and contributing to the writing of reports or research papers, as instructed by the Fellow.
9. Helping to design and evaluate data collection and processing methods, to benefit the content of the project.

Qualifications and Skills required
The successful candidate will possess an undergraduate degree in biology or another discipline relevant the role. You will have a good knowledge of IT and familiarity with Windows-based software. You will have the ability to learn new methods and produce accurate reports of their implementation, ability to handle museum specimens with care, following museum guidelines. Excellent spoken and written communication skills allowing effective engagement with researchers and other stakeholders are also essential to the post.

Whilst this is a full-time post, we will consider part-time applications at a minimum of 0.5 FTE (18 hours per week). Please indicate on your application form the hours you're applying for.

Please see the job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

*More information: Working at the University

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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