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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse multilingual teacher talk and assess learner performance in India.
- Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge, a leader in language education research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for impactful publications and collaboration across countries.
- Why this job: Make a difference in underprivileged learners' lives while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: A strong background in linguistics or related fields is essential; research experience preferred.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term position from August 2025 to November 2026.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position Overview
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Social Fluids Laboratory (https://leboeuflab.com) led by Dr Adria LeBoeuf in the Department of Zoology (https://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/staff/adria-leboeuf). The role is part of a BBSRC-funded project on metabolic cooperation between bodies, investigating autophagy-mediated resource transfer in social insects.
Research Focus
The project investigates how organisms mobilise and package their own resources for transfer to others. Ants are a wonderful model clade with deeply intertwined social relationships between colony members, underpinned by variable amounts of physical transfer of endogenously produced resources across species, creating a clear parallel between the tissues or cells of a multicellular organism.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimise CRISPR‑Cas9 gene editing techniques for ants.
- Perform RNAi experiments and analyse multi‑omic datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
- Conduct behavioural and physiological experiments and fieldwork, including collecting ants in Madagascar.
- Integrate wet‑lab and bioinformatics work and data science of omics data.
Qualifications & Experience
- Strong background in molecular biology and insect physiology.
- Experience with CRISPR and RNAi in insects is essential.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and troubleshooting protocols in non‑model organisms.
- Comfortable with fieldwork and bench work; willing to get hands dirty.
Working Conditions
- Fixed‑term position for 48 months currently; start date flexible, ideally April 2026 with a latest start date of 1 June 2026.
- Requires health assessment upon offer acceptance.
Application Process
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 Adria LeBoeuf (email: acl79@cam.ac.uk).
For queries regarding the application process, contact Paulina Lasocka (email: hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PF48443 on all applications and correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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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Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the project’s focus on multilingual assessment tools. Understanding the sociolinguistic context of India’s primary schools will help you engage more meaningfully during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of language education research. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with researchers who may have insights into the project or can provide valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with corpus transcription and statistical analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills in these areas, as they are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Professor Ianthi Tsimpli with any questions about the project. Showing initiative and interest can set you apart from other candidates and give you a better understanding of what they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the project 'Multilingual Dynamic Assessment for Language and Content Learning'. Understanding its goals and methodologies will help you tailor your application to demonstrate your relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous research experience, particularly in multilingual assessment or educational linguistics. Mention specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Prepare Your Research Publication List: Since a research publication list is required, ensure it is well-organised and highlights your most relevant work. Include publications that showcase your expertise in language education or related fields.
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Make sure to include the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work. Double-check that you have not included any additional documents that were not requested, as these will not be considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the project's objectives, especially regarding multilingual assessment tools and their impact on underprivileged learners in India. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the project's aims during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research experience, particularly in corpus transcription, statistical analysis, or any related linguistic studies. Highlight specific projects or publications that demonstrate your expertise and how they relate to the responsibilities of the PDRA role.
✨Engage with the Research Team
Express your enthusiasm for collaboration and teamwork, as this role involves close interaction with researchers in Cambridge, India, and Frankfurt. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic and share ideas effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the project, the research team, and the expected outcomes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
