Research Assistant in the Insect Ecology Group (Fixed Term)

Research Assistant in the Insect Ecology Group, Department/Museum of Zoology Cambridge (15 months fixed term)We are seeking a Research Assistant to work within the Insect Ecology Group on an exciting new project funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund and administered by the Museums Association. Building on ongoing research and new technology associated with the moth collection in the Museum of Zoology, and working in partnership with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust, this project will develop initiatives to increase access for audiences that have limited opportunities to engage with museums and wildlife, and empower them to take action on the social and climate crises.Applicants will work with experienced Museum and Wildlife Trust staff to engage three key audiences: young people, blind and partially blind people, and older people. By working with existing youth forums and specialist groups (such as CamSight) and developing these connections, the project will identify key climate and social justice issues to highlight through a temporary exhibition, and specimens to display that illustrate these issues. Through facilitated group discussions, the project will also develop a platform to voice participants lived experiences and concerns, including sharing narratives on changes in biodiversity over time. Finally working with key groups, the research assistant will help to co-produce public engagement resources, including 3D insect models, both digital and printed, that illustrate morphological changes in relation to environmental change.Successful candidates should have a strong background of working in the museum or wildlife conservation sector, experience of working in public engagement, particularly with young people or blind and partially blind people, and have experience of, or a sound understanding of ecological research. They must be highly motivated and have a passion for engaging people with nature and research.The successful candidate will join the Insect Ecology Group and wider Museum of Zoology Team, which has members working on both museum-based work, as well as field-based research in association with the Wildlife Trust. They will receive training in working collaboratively with blind and partially blind people, and with handling and working with insect specimens. They will be line-managed by the Curator of Insects (Edgar Turner) in the Museum, and work closely with and be mentored by Tiffany Ki (a research fellow in the Museum), as well as collaborating closely with Wildlife Trust staff. There will be opportunities to contribute to wider work in the Museum and to participate in other public engagement activities. The role will be based predominately on site in the Museum of Zoology, but with site visits to Wildlife Trust reserves and schools.The closing date for applicants is the 7th of JanuaryInterview dates: Interview online on 15th or 16th January 2025.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 15 months in the first instance.Flexible working requests will be considered.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.We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Prof Edgar Turner [email: ect23@cam.ac.uk]If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka [email: pl585@cam.ac.uk]Please quote reference PF48030 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.