Postdoctoral Scientist – Neurobiology – Dr Sven Truckenbrodt – LMB 2698

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge seeks a Post-doctoral Scientist to develop molecular connectomics datasets in neuroscience. Candidates should have or be close to completing a PhD in a relevant field. This role offers an excellent collaborative work environment and extensive training and development opportunities. Salary is £41,344 per annum with generous employee benefits.

Benefits

40.5 days holiday per annum

Defined benefit pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Excited about research in neuroscience and molecular biology.
• Ability to design and acquire complex datasets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply molecular tools for brain mapping.
• Integrate multiple information channels in datasets.
• Apply technology in mammalian behavioral contexts.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Neuroscience

Biotechnology

Expansion Microscopy

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Light Microscopy Tools

Job description

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 9 October 2025

City: Cambridge

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Department:

Description:

Postdoctoral Scientist
Salary £41,344 per annum
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

The Molecular Brain Mapping research group at the MRC-LMB in Cambridge, UK, aims to solve fundamental questions of biological computation — particularly for complex mammalian brains. Our research maintains a strong focus on the brain’s hardware components: from circuits to synapses and molecular nano-anatomy.

In the group, we employ the new paradigm of “molecular connectomics.” We use expansion microscopy and other light microscopy tools to combine classical morphological neuron segmentation (albeit using light microscopy, not electron microscopy) with the vast toolboxes of molecular biology — from immunostainings to viral neuron barcoding and beyond. This adds previously inaccessible dimensions to brain mapping at synaptic resolution.

We are seeking a scientist excited about tackling long-standing problems in neuroscience by designing and acquiring “molecular connectomics” datasets with an unprecedented abundance of information. You will be using expansion microscopy as well as develop and apply a variety of molecular tools to integrate the readout of multiple information channels — from neuron morphology to protein immunostainings, viral barcoding, synaptic activity, and beyond. You will also develop new technologies that support this goal and extend our capabilities to integrate additional information channels. Finally, you will apply this technology in a mammalian behavioural context. The candidate with either have a PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or due to complete within 6 months, or evidence of equivalent experience and qualifications.

Informal enquiries can be sent to the Neurobiology Divisional Administrator, [e-mail].

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 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.

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.

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

Closing date: 09/10/2025
It is anticipated that interviews will take place in October 2025.

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].