Postdoctoral Scientist - LMB 3011

Independent; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff restaurant

On-site parking

Defined benefit pension

Campus nursery

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge invites applications for a fixed-term three-year training position within the Kornfeld group to study how learned behaviours map onto brain synaptic networks. You will perform tissue preparation, imaging, and data analysis using 3D electron microscopy and expansion microscopy to relate wiring patterns to behaviour.

Joint supervision by Dr Joergen Kornfeld and Dr Greg Jefferis, with opportunities for collaborative work and training in

Qualifications

• PhD required or imminent (within 6 months).
• Hands-on experience with expansion microscopy and electron microscopy for connectomics.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills; able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Map synaptic connections in model organisms using high-resolution EM and expansion microscopy.
• Undertake tissue preparation, imaging, data acquisition and analysis of large datasets.
• Collaborate with Kornfeld and Jefferis groups at the LMB; supervise and train as needed.
• Contribute to publications and present findings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent & collaborative

Written & oral comms

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Expansion microscopy

Electron microscopy

3D imaging

Job description

Fixed term 3 years

The successful candidate will join the Kornfeld group to investigate how learned behaviours are encoded in the brain’s synaptic networks. Using high-resolution 3D electron microscopy and expansion microscopy, you will map synaptic connections in model organisms, undertaking tissue preparation, imaging, data acquisition and analysis of large datasets. Your work will help link specific synaptic wiring patterns to behaviours, contributing to our understanding of the neural circuits underlying complex behaviour.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of experimental neuroscience and cutting-edge brain connectomics. The project is a collaboration between the Kornfeld and Jefferis groups at the LMB and will be jointly supervised by Dr Joergen Kornfeld and Dr Greg Jefferis.

You will hold a PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology or a related field, or be due to complete one within six months, with hands-on experience in expansion microscopy and electron microscopy for connectomics. You should have strong data analysis, analytical and problem-solving skills, and be able to work independently and collaboratively. Experience in connectomics or neuroanatomy, contributions to publications, and excellent written and oral communication skills are highly desirable.

This is a three-year training and development position suitable for you if you have recently completed your doctoral studies, or you are looking to move into a new research discipline and/or need to further develop your research skills. Working with our world class scientists you will be working in an Institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on-site parking. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications. Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and https//mrclmb.ac.uk.

This role qualifies for endorsement by UKRI for a UK Global Talent Visa, for which the successfulapplicant is likely to be eligible to apply. Immigrationcosts (visa and health surcharge) can be reclaimed from UKRI after taking up the post (terms and conditions apply).

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore, particularly welcome women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role.

£42,694 per annum