Academic ConnectResearch Associate (Fixed Term)
A Research Associate post is available in the Drosophila Connectomics Group directed by Greg Jefferis and Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.
The applicant will work with very large volume electron-microscopy Drosophila connectomics data as part of two awards: A £6.7M award from the Wellcome Trust, which has recently generated the first complete synaptic-resolution connectome for a whole adult D. melanogaster central nervous system and the team are now working towards generating a second connectome for the central nervous system of a female fly. The second award is a Wellcome Biomedical Resource and Technology Development Grant to the Virtual Fly Brain (VFB) for improving integration of connectomes into their database and for improving the user interface.
The principal aim for this post is the development of a website for comparing data across multiple connectomes, iterating on the current landing page for the male CNS dataset (https://male-cns.janelia.org/build/dimorphism_overview/), and on integrating the male CNS data with the VFB database. A background in Drosophila connectomics will be essential, with bioinformatics/computer science experience (R and/or Python and some experience with web development. This project follows a number of very successful collaborations working on many of the largest connectomes to date (see all publications at http://bit.ly/flyconnectpubs).
The successful candidate will join a team based in Zoology with 13 team members, carrying out data processing and analysis on computer-assisted neuronal reconstruction data. They will interact closely with a similar team in the US (FlyEM, HHMI Janelia Research Campus), people at the VFB project as well as experimental groups, especially Greg Jefferis (MRC-LMB, Cambridge). The candidate will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the projects scientific aims. This will be critical to setting priorities as it 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 PI jointly based in Zoology and the MRC LMB and will receive training from experienced post-docs as well as benefiting from courses organised at the University level. The postholder will also contribute to general project management of the group e.g. through interaction with junior researchers and external funders, as well as participating in public engagement activities.
Interview dates: Between 15th and 19th December 2026.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months.
Part-time hours or other flexible working arrangements can be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from women and / or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Philipp Schlegel pms70@cam.ac.uk and Dr Greg Jefferis gsxej2@cam.ac.uk
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka pl585@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PF48054 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.
Key information
Department/location
Salary
£37,694-£46,049
Reference
PF48054
Category
Date published
24 November 2025
Closing date
8 December 2025
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