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) the patterns of early animal evolution; 2) how selection acted upon these early animals; and 3) why these adaptations occurred.
Key Responsibilities
* Support research projects by ensuring that raw fieldwork data is properly backed up and processed.
* Manage the data storage infrastructure for digital palaeontological data.
* Prepare and update documentation related to data handling and lab protocols.
* Help train new lab members on data management and processing workflows.
* Liaise with other research groups and departmental technical staff.
Qualifications and Experience
* BSc in a relevant field to palaeontology, such as biology or Earth sciences (or equivalent practical experience).
* Experience in processing 3D digital data.
* High degree of precision and accuracy, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work well within a team.
* Ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions within guidelines.
* Experience with palaeontological data and an interest in understanding early animal evolution are desirable.
* Opportunity for participation in international fieldwork (not required).
Additional Information
Location: 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 requests 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 (email: ek338@cam.ac.uk).
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka or Anastasia Nezhentseva (email: 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.
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