At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring brain behaviour using AI and zebrafish models.
- Company: University of St Andrews, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, 34 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Neuroscience or related field with wet-lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Start date: 14 December 2026
Full time Fixed term: 9 months
Are you interested in how the brain produces behaviour? We are looking for a Research and Innovation Associate to join us on a fixed-term basis. You will work on an exciting collaborative project, 'AI-enabled models for whole-brain functional connectomics', funded by the Leverhulme Trust and led by Maarten Zwart in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews.
Understanding how the brain works requires more than simply watching it in action or examining its structure under a microscope. We need to know how individual nerve cells are physically connected and how these connections give rise to behaviour and thought. Current tools can reveal either the structure of the brain or its activity, but rarely both together in a practical and scalable way. This project aims to solve this by combining different kinds of data - structural, functional, and causal - into a single AI-centred computer model.
We focus on the larval zebrafish, a small transparent animal whose entire brain can be imaged while it is alive and behaving. By combining information about where neurons are located, how they fire over time, and how they respond to targeted stimulation, we will develop an approach that can infer the brain's wiring with far less cost and effort than today's gold-standard techniques.
The successful applicant will have a degree in Neuroscience or a related discipline, with expertise in wet-lab neuroscience and community engagement. The post is available for 9 months starting December 14th, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing date: 13 November 2026
Interview date: w/c 23 November 2026 (TBC)
Salary: £38,784 to £44,746 pa Grade 6
Research and Innovation Associate - AR3363 employer: University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collegiality and wellbeing. With a strong commitment to employee growth, staff benefit from generous pension contributions, hybrid working options, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to impactful research in global health and infection biology. Located in the historic town of St Andrews, employees enjoy a supportive community and a range of benefits designed to enhance work-life balance and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Innovation Associate - AR3363
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of St Andrews, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of St Andrews. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Innovation Associate - AR3363
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of St Andrews. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of St Andrews. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of St Andrews. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of St Andrews to drive research projects forward.
