Post-doctoral Research Associate - Drosophila Connectomics Research Group (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 we approach the end of a £6.7M Wellcome international collaborative award with HHMI Janelia Research Campus, the MRC LMB in Cambridge and the University of Oxford. This project has worked towards production of two synaptic-resolution connectomes for an adult male and female Drosophila central nervous system (brain and nerve cord).
The principal focus will be the development of open source tools for the analysis of connectomics data. This will include developing tools to improve the quality of neuron identification and classification and the modelling of neuron and circuit function. Data sources will be neuronal morphologies, connectivity and computationally inferred or manually annotated metadata and published experimental data. A background in neurobiology, anatomy and a very strong quantitative preparation (with extensive experience in bioinformatics/computer science) will be essential. Prior experience with Drosophila connectomics data is desirable but not essential.
The successful candidate will join a team based in Zoology with 10 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 as well as experimental groups especially Greg Jefferis (Cambridge). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the project's scientific aims. This will be critical to setting priorities. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will be expected to demonstrate scientific independence matching their technical expertise. There will be opportunities to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.
Fixed-term: The position is full time, for 6 months. Funds for this post are available until 31st December 2025.
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 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.
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If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF45663 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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