Job Description

A position exists, for a Research Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on computational neuroscience models of navigation.


The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge Cambridgeshire, UK.


The key responsibilities and duties are:


Undertake basic research, formulate research questions and pursue them using mathematical modelling and numerical simulations. Undertake basic research, formulate research questions and pursue them using mathematical modelling and numerical simulations. Conduct literature and database searches. May assist in the supervision of student projects. May provide limited supervision/instruction to classes taught by Prof Lengyel. Liaise with colleagues and students on routine matters. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration. Plan own day-to-day research activity. Contribute to the planning of research projects.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:


A strong quantitative background. Demonstrable interest and experience in theoretical neuroscience. Obtained a PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning or a related field.

Preference will be given to candidates with:


Previous experience in machine learning-related aspects of computational neuroscience, specifically with approximate Bayesian inference, and function-optimized neural networks, especially in the context of navigation. Sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations and to use large scale optimization packages. Expertise with advanced data analysis and Bayesian techniques.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD.


Salary Range: Research Associate: 37,174 - 45,413


Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2026 in the first instance.


Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.


Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of your publications, and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.


If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof Lengyel (m.lengyel@eng.cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role, or the CBL Group administrator (e-mail: cbl-admin@eng.cam.ac.uk, tel: +44 1223 48529) for questions on the application process.


Please quote reference NM46646 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.