Specialist Technician (Research)

The role

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.

What will you be doing?

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.