At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on animal visual signals and biases in perception using cutting-edge techniques.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's innovative Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research Cluster.
- Benefits: Collaborate with experts, access world-class resources, and contribute to impactful research.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values unique perspectives and fosters collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity and evolution while advancing your skills in neuroscience and machine learning.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields; strong analytical skills and programming knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Overview
University of Sheffield. We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual interested in biodiversity, evolution, neuroscience and machine learning to join the Leverhulme Trust funded research project ‘Perceptual bias and the evolution of organismal communication signals’ as a Research Associate.
The project will make use of recent advances in computational neuroscience, machine learning and image analysis to investigate questions linking animal visual signal diversity to biases in visual perception.
You will lead the investigation of research questions probing these links and be responsible for important aspects of project execution including data collection, analysis and interpretation, and manuscript preparation. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a project at the intersection of biological and computer science research domains.
Responsibilities
- Lead the investigation of research questions probing the links between animal visual signal diversity and biases in visual perception.
- Execute project tasks including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication.
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area along with an interest in biodiversity, evolution, neuroscience and/or machine learning.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skillset and experience of programming languages (e.g. R, Python) are essential.
Supervision and Team
This post will be supervised by Dr Christopher Cooney and will involve working closely with other project team members. The research group is embedded within the world-class Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research Cluster, part of the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield.
Diversity Statement
We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.
Research Associate (Biodiversity & Evolution) in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the fields of biodiversity and evolution. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from access to world-class resources and mentorship within a diverse team, while also enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive academic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Biodiversity & Evolution) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to biodiversity and machine learning. Attend conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, data analysis, and any programming work you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate your analytical prowess and passion for the subject – make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current trends in biodiversity and neuroscience. Be ready to discuss how your skills in R or Python can contribute to the project. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join an amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Biodiversity & Evolution) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for biodiversity, evolution, and machine learning shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the research project and how your skills can contribute to it.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in data collection, analysis, and programming languages like R or Python. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and how they relate to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Be sure to connect your background in neuroscience and machine learning to the project’s goals, and don’t forget to mention any collaborative experiences you've had.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in biodiversity, evolution, and machine learning. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and recent advances in computational neuroscience that relate to the project. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your analytical and programming skills, especially in R and Python. Prepare examples of past projects where you've used these languages for data collection or analysis. This will help demonstrate your technical expertise and how it aligns with the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the environment is a good fit for you. Ask about the specific challenges they face in the research and how you can contribute.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with Dr Christopher Cooney and other team members, highlight your experience in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, especially in research contexts, to underline your ability to contribute positively to the group.
