Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)

An 100% Research Technician position is available in the Deep Time Ecology Group, led by Dr Emily Mitchell, in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge. The position is part of a five-year project starting in June 2026: Understanding selection in the early animals of the Ediacaran. This project will bring together geochemistry, palaeontology and evolutionary biology to create an innovative framework for understanding early animal evolution - specifically, 1) What the patterns of early animal evolution were; 2) How selection acted upon these early animals; and 3) Why these adaptations occurred.

The successful applicant will support the lab's research through the processing and management of their digital palaeontological data. The key responsibilities will be to provide support for research projects by ensuring that raw fieldwork data is properly backed up for processing the fieldwork data. The technician will also manage the data storage as well as preparing and updating documentation, help train new lab members, and liaise with other research groups and departmental technical staff.

Applicants should have a BSc in a relevant field to palaeontology, such as biology or Earth sciences (or equivalent practical experience), with experience in processing 3D digital data. Essential skills include having a high degree of precision and accuracy, excellent organisational skills, the ability to work well within a team, as well as the ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions within guidelines.
Experience with palaeontological data and an interest in understanding early animal evolution are desirable. There may be opportunities to participate in international fieldwork, though this is not required.

The role will be based on site in the Department of Zoology. Work cannot be undertaken remotely.

Interview date: Interviews are expected to take place in Cambridge during the week commencing Monday, 11th May 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely under exceptional circumstances.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.

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.

Flexible working request will be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Emily Mitchell ek338@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka or Anastasia Nezhentseva hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PF49018 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.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location
Department of Zoology

Salary
£31,236-£35,608

Reference
PF49018

Category
Assistant staff

Date published
6 March 2026

Closing date
12 April 2026