Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Michel Goedert

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB); Cambridge; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research laboratory in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to work on the development of methods for forming amyloid filaments related to neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will collaborate with leading experts to conduct pioneering research using electron cryo-microscopy. Applicants should have a PhD (or completion within 6 months) and excellent communication skills. This role offers competitive salary and is fixed-term for 3 years.

Qualifications

• PhD or completion within 6 months in a related field.
• Effective communication skills for collaborative research.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for producing additional tau folds.
• Use cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET to analyze tau folds.
• Conduct research on molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Education

PhD in a relevant subject

Job description

Postdoctoral Scientist

Salary £42,694 per annum

Fixed term, 3 years

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

To work in the group of Dr Michel Goedert from the Neurobiology Division of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), as part of a programme aimed at understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration. Specifically, to undertake research to develop methods for forming amyloid filaments with structures identical to those from human brains. This work will be done in close collaboration with the group of Dr Sjors Scheres from the Structural Studies Division of the LMB.

The assembly of the proteins tau, alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid into abnormal amyloid filaments is central to the development neurodegenerative diseases. Since 2017, we have been using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to show that specific filament folds can define distinct diseases. To understand mechanisms of disease, one must be able to form filaments in experimental settings that have the same structures as those from human brains. This has so far only been achieved for Alzheimer tau filaments.

The successful candidate will develop methods for producing additional tau folds and use cryo-EM and/or electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) to further analyse tau folds.

Candidate Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant subject (or completion within 6 months).
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a group.

Application Information

Closing date: 4 January 2026

It is anticipated interviews will take place week commencing 19 January 2026.

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.