A Research Assistant post is available in the Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.
Dr Elizabeth Marin and Dr Greg Jefferis have obtained a collaborative Wellcome Discovery Award to proofread, annotate, and analyse the first mosquito brain connectome, with an initial focus on the chemosensory circuits involved in human host-seeking. Applicants will work with electron-microscopy image data, annotate and proofread automatically segmented reconstructions of neurons, develop open source tools for data analysis/processing, and perform neuron morphology, connectivity, graph/circuit analyses etc. to obtain biological insight. A background in neurobiology and/or a strong quantitative preparation (e.g. in bioinformatics/computer science) and sustained attention to visual detail will be essential.
The successful candidate will join a team based in Zoology with 15 team members, carrying out data processing and computational analysis of neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team at Harvard Medical School (Wei-Chung Allen Lee) as well as experimental groups at the MRC LMB in Cambridge (Greg Jefferis) and Boston University (Meg Younger). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the scientific aims of the project. This will be critical to setting priorities as the project 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 co-Principal Investigator based in Zoology and will be mentored by an experienced post-doc. There will be opportunities to contribute to the training of new team members as the group expands, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 2 years, with a possibility of extension subject to project status and funding.
The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 3 September 2026.
The interview for this role is expected to take place during the week commencing Monday, 14 September 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely in exceptional circumstances.
For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document
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.
Part-time working or other flexible working arrangements will be considered.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Greg Jefferis [email: [email protected]] and Dr Elizabeth Marin [email: [email protected]]
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Zoology HR Office [email: [email protected]]
Please quote reference PF50555 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.
