Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in London seeks a skilled scientist specializing in neurodevelopment to explore the maturation of cortical interneurons in mice. This role demands a PhD in Neuroscience and offers a full-time fixed-term contract until 30 September 2026, with opportunities for professional development and a supportive, inclusive environment.

Benefits

10 days of professional development per year

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience or nearing completion is essential.
• At least one first-author publication in a scientific journal.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms regulating the maturation of cortical interneurons in mice.

Skills

Experience with mice

Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or near completion

Job description

About us

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the "ground plan" of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy's campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King's, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated scientist with expertise in neurodevelopment to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the maturation of cortical interneurons in mice, under the supervision of Prof Oscar Marín.

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 30/9/2026.

Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the C entre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in Neuroscience or near to completion*
2. At least one first-author publication in a scientific journal
3. Extensive experience working with mice
4. Extensive experience analysing single-cell RNA sequencing datasets

Desirable criteria

1. Background in mammalian cerebral cortex development
2. 2Background in epigenetic regulators XXXX

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ' How we Recruit' pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 18 September 2025.