We are seeking a Specialist Technician to support the SMARTNESTS ERC-funded research programme at the University of Bristol. The project investigates how three-dimensional nest architecture shapes collective behaviour and disease resilience in social insects (primarily ants), combining behavioural biology with experimental engineering.
You will play a central role in developing novel experimental systems, including the design and fabrication of three-dimensional environments, integration of imaging and tracking technologies, and implementation of real-time automated control systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, engineering and data-driven science.
Key roles:
- Develop experimental platforms for real-time tracking of individuals, resources and pathogens within complex three-dimensional ant nest environments, using integrated imaging, embedded optics and custom illumination systems.
- Design and implement closed-loop control systems to monitor and manipulate behaviour in real time, linking tracking data to automated actuation.
- Contribute to the development and integration of a combined tracking and analysis pipeline, integrating 3D surface scanning, automated tracking, and AI-based methods (e.g. pose estimation and behavioural classification) for fine-grained analysis of behaviour.
- Design and modify complex three-dimensional structures in CAD to engineer specific network and spatial properties (e.g. connectivity, compartmentalisation), and translate these into manufacturable systems.
- Develop and prototype novel physical experimental systems, combining advanced fabrication approaches (e.g. 3D printing, casting, kiln-based processes) to create robust and reproducible research platforms.
Supporting responsibilities:
- Integrate hardware, imaging, sensing and control components into cohesive and reliable experimental platforms.
- Test, optimise and troubleshoot complex experimental systems.
- Develop robust, reproducible workflows for system fabrication and experimental deployment.
- Prepare technical documentation, including standard operating procedures and risk assessments.
- Provide specialist technical training, guidance and support to students and research staff in the use and development of experimental systems.
- Liaise with internal facilities and external suppliers to support system development and procurement.
- You have experience designing, developing or integrating experimental systems, instrumentation or technical solutions.
- You have strong practical skills in prototyping, fabrication or building bespoke hardware.
- You are able to diagnose and solve complex technical problems and work independently.
- You are comfortable working across multiple technical domains and integrating hardware, software and experimental workflows.
- You have excellent organisational skills and can manage multiple concurrent tasks and priorities.
- You have experience working in interdisciplinary environments, supporting research projects, or contributing to the development of novel technical systems.
- You are motivated to apply engineering approaches to study complex biological systems, including collective behaviour in social insects.
In the attachment section of the application form please upload an anonymised technical CV, including relevant qualifications/training, technical employment history, and details of project work – i.e., systems, prototypes, fabrication, instrumentation, coding or integration work you have personally contributed to.
Contract type: Open-ended with Fixed Funding for 24 months
Work pattern: Full-time (part-time considered)
Grade: G
Salary: £32,080 - £35,608 per annum (pro rata for Part-time)
School/Unit: School of Biological Sciences
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 28th June 2026
For informal queries please contact: Dr Nathalie Stroeymeyt, Senior Lecturer, via email: [email protected]
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