"Research Technician in Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (fixed term)"

A Research Technician position is available in the Behaviour and Evolution Research Group, directed by Prof Rebecca Kilner, in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge. Research by this group aims to understand how social behaviour contributes to evolutionary change. The overall goal is to reconstruct the trait variation we observe in the wild, using experimental work in the lab. Ongoing projects include work to investigate how social behaviour contributes to genetic variation and morphological variation, and how variation within species relates to variation among species.

Much of our work focuses on burying beetles (Nicrophorus species), which are collected and monitored locally in the field, and bred year-round in the lab. The successful applicant will be responsible for the general husbandry of the lab's beetle populations and ensuring that breeding experiments run smoothly and successfully throughout the year. They will breed burying beetles and collect data from them, help members of the group with data analysis, and keep the lab well-supplied with consumables required for the experiments. They will have a track record of being able to follow instructions accurately and will be capable of working independently. They will also need to work calmly and effectively with other members of the lab, the group leader and with the members of the professional services team in the Zoology Department who support research. Some knowledge of evolution and/or animal behaviour and/or insect biology will be essential.

The successful candidate will join a team of five or so, based in the Zoology Department. They will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the scientific aims of the projects underway in the lab. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential. Candidates will report to Prof Kilner. There will be opportunities to contribute to fieldwork, and to participate in public engagement activities.

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

Interview date: Interviews will take place in Cambridge on 8 September 2025 (may be conducted remotely under exceptional circumstances).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to one year.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

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