Applications are sought for a committed Research Support Technician to work with Prof Susan Healy and Dr Marie Hebert conducting research for a BBSRC-funded research grant ‘The transition from a parental to a sexual brain via nest building’.
The successful candidate will have a background in (Behavioural) Neuroscience and prior experience with avian neurobiology, brain collection procedures, and/or behavioural data collection and video scoring.
The primary duties will involve: supporting the PDRA in conducting nest-building behavioural experiments on paired zebra finches, assisting with brain tissue collection plus video scoring (e.g., courtship and nest-building behaviours).
The post is available for 6 months starting 5th January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
· Annual leave of 30 days, plus 5 public holidays
· Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
· A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
· 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
Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Susan Healy and Dr Marie Hebert, email: sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk and mafh1@st-andrews.ac.uk
Applications are particularly welcome from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 3 December 2025
Please quote ref: TG1353RH
Job Description - TG1353RH FPs.pdf
School of Biology
Salary: £25,353 – £26,707 per annum pro rata
Start date: January 2026
Duration: 6 months