Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term) Full-time

Research Associate

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2029.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to carry out a joint project “The Robot Plankton Taxonomist”, funded by UKRI and co-supervised by Prof Pietro Liò at the Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge and his colleagues at the Centre for Environment and Aquatic Science (Cefas) and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) to investigate the use of multimodal machine learning approaches to segment images and model the phenotypic of plankton. Using imaging and electronic information data available at the partner organisations, the postholder will explore different deep learning approaches to develop the next generation of classifiers that explicitly include chain-of-through reasoning to address current classifiers' limitations, thus supporting cost-effective and sustainable biodiversity monitoring programmes. A topical issue within the context of climate change and rising exploitation of our seas.

The post holder will be part of a multidisciplinary team, have opportunity to visit partners organisations and participate to field work at sea if they wish so, which will provide a great opportunity to interact with colleagues expert in the field.

Main Duties

• To be responsible for all aspects of the research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work for publications and disseminating the results at meetings.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
• To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.

Profile and Skills

• The successful candidate will hold (or be close to completion) a PhD in Computer Science, Biology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, or another relevant field or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industry.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with git.
• Experience developing machine learning models, ideally with a focus on multimodal representation learning is an advantage.
• Experience working with brain imaging and/or molecular data is desirable.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

For information on Computer Science Department at Cambridge University, please visit: Prof Pietro Liò.

For information on the ecological applications of the project, contact sophie.pitois@cefas.gov.uk.

In addition to the base salary stated above, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publications list and contact details for two professional referees.

Please quote reference NR49713 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.

Apply online

Key Information

Department/Location: Department of Computer Science and Technology

Salary: £33,002-£46,049

Reference: NR49713

Category: Research

Date Published: 14 May 2026

Closing Date: 14 June 2026