At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop experimental systems for tracking and analysing social insect behaviour in real-time.
- Company: University of Bristol, leading innovative research in biology and engineering.
- Benefits: Open-ended contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on interdisciplinary research and technical innovation.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge research team and make a real impact on understanding social insects.
- Qualifications: Experience in designing experimental systems and strong practical skills in prototyping.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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?
- 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.
You should apply if
- You have experience designing, developing or integrating experimental systems, instrumentation or technical solutions.
- You have strong practical skills in prototyping, fabrication or building bespoke hardware.
- You are able to diagnose and solve complex technical problems and work independently.
- You are comfortable working across multiple technical domains and integrating hardware, software and experimental workflows.
- You have excellent organisational skills and can manage multiple concurrent tasks and priorities.
- You have experience working in interdisciplinary environments, supporting research projects, or contributing to the development of novel technical systems.
- You are motivated to apply engineering approaches to study complex biological systems, including collective behaviour in social insects.
Contract type: Open-ended with Fixed Funding for 24 months
Grade: G
School/Unit: School of Biological Sciences
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 28th June 2026.
Specialist Technician (Research) in Bristol employer: City of Bristol College
The University of Bristol is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary research. As a Specialist Technician, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects at the intersection of biology and engineering, while also benefiting from professional development and training opportunities that support your career growth in a dynamic academic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Technician (Research) in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Technician (Research) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show City of Bristol College that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at City of Bristol College.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that City of Bristol College does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at City of Bristol College. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into City of Bristol College's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at City of Bristol College. This shows your passion for the industry!
