Postdoctoral Scientist Neurobiology

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB); Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to conduct research on the neural circuit basis of behaviour. The role involves mapping synaptic connections using machine learning techniques in a collaborative setting. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or be close to completion in neuroscience or related fields and relevant skills in bioimage informatics. The position offers generous benefits including 40.5 days holiday annually, access to a staff restaurant, and support for professional development.

Benefits

40.5 days holiday annually

Defined benefit pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• PhD (or due to complete within 6 months) in neuroscience or related fields.
• Experience in bioimage informatics applied to neuroscience data.
• Familiarity with large-scale volumetric data for circuit mapping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on neural circuit mapping using automated approaches.
• Map the synaptic wiring diagram of whole brains.
• Statistically quantify individual differences in connectomes.

Skills

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Bioimage informatics

Machine learning

Computational analysis

Education

PhD

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Postdoctoral Scientist; Salary £42,694 per annum; Fixed term, 2 years; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

To work within the group of Dr Albert Cardona at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at studying the neural circuit basis of behaviour. Specifically, to map the synaptic wiring diagram, or connectome, of whole brains, using machine learning approaches to computer vision, in a disease animal model.

In order to compare the connectome across different experimental conditions, developmental stages, and strains or species, we must first measure the natural variability, by mapping the connectome across multiple individuals and statistically quantifying the individual differences from the common subset. Mapping the first connectome manually with computer-assisted means took 10 years and the effort of dozens of laboratories. Today, the knowledge acquired, the existence of one mapped connectome to act as reference, the fact that the larval fly brain is composed of stereotyped and uniquely identifiable neurons, plus machine learning approaches to computer vision, offers the opportunity to automatically map many connectomes across many animals, and therefore study how connectomes vary in development, in disease, and across closely related species. Identifying the differences across conditions will help understand the relation between neuronal circuit structure and function. The candidate will conduct a research project in applying new automated approaches to connectome mapping at scale to many brain volumes of both wild-type and disease models in fruit fly larvae.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD (or due to complete within 6 months) in neuroscience, or in a related field (physics, computer science, applied math, or biology in a quantitative programme within a computational group) where the research project broadly meets the scope of connectomics: bioimage informatics applied to large-scale volumetric densely-labelled data for circuit mapping and analysis, or at least, bioimage informatics applied to neuroscience data such as neuronal activity imaging, neuronal activity monitoring, behavioural tracking, or transcriptomics of neural tissue. Further details on the technical skills and expertise for the role is outlined in the job description.

LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. 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 www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date: 15 February 2026

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

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes 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. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; [e-mail].