Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Sven Truckenbrodt - LMB 2698

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Hartford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is looking for a researcher to join the Molecular Brain Mapping group. You will conduct experiments involving advanced molecular techniques and analyse complex datasets. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in neuroscience or related fields, with expertise in molecular biology tools and microscopy. Join us to contribute to innovative research that links brain mapping and behaviour.

Qualifications

• Independently plan and execute research projects in neuroscience.
• Experience with immunostaining and PCR.
• Knowledge of mammalian brain organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex research projects.
• Perform multimodal molecular multiplexing experiments.
• Analyze data from multimodal datasets.

Skills

Molecular biology tools

Light and fluorescence microscopy

Behavioural research paradigms

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

ImageJ

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Overall purpose: To work within the Molecular Brain Mapping research group of Dr Sven Truckenbrodt at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at connecting brain mapping ("connectomics"), molecular physiology, and behaviour to understand how biological computation works, from processing environmental inputs to producing internal sensation and generating behavioural output. The goal of this project is to generate multimodal connectomics datasets, develop molecular readout technology, and use multimodal information to make discoveries on how biological computation controls animal behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Design, timeline, and execute complex interlocking projects and tasks, with support from and in coordination with your supervisor.
• Perform expansion microscopy on mouse brain slices (and other organisms and tissues).
• Perform multimodal molecular multiplexing experiments on expanded samples, including immunostainings, signal amplification, morphological pan-protein labelling, lipid readouts, RNA readouts, and others. You will routinely combine multiple modalities in the same dataset.
• Analyse data from the multimodal datasets you produce (with support from imaging data engineers).
• Develop and perform simple behavioural paradigms for mice, e.g. spatial orientation learning tasks and reward/fear conditioning.
• Acquire new skills and develop new technology that aids the project goals, from designing custom chemistries to running automated data analyses with coding tools.
• Travel internationally to learn and teach at workshops or with collaborators, and to present data at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the LMB's mission in public engagement of science and the translation of research findings into health care improvements.
• Assist in training PhD students and other members of the LMB.
• Draft scientific papers and contribute to the preparation of research for publication, and plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis in discussion with your supervisor.
• Work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify, and apply the necessary techniques to achieve project goals, introduce and apply new techniques across disciplines, and develop novel approaches as required.
• Ensure research is carried out in accordance with good practice and local policies and legal requirements; contribute to the smooth running of the group and use of communal facilities; enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.
• Report to Dr Sven Truckenbrodt and collaborate with postdoctoral scientists, research support staff, and students across the LMB and external groups as necessary.

Qualifications

• Required: A PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or to complete within 6 months, or evidence of equivalent experience and qualifications.
• Evidence of independently planning and executing research projects in neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular biology tools (e.g. immunostaining, PCR, Western blot, RNAseq, etc.).
• Experience with light and fluorescence microscopy (e.g. spinning disk, confocal, etc.).
• Experience with behavioural research paradigms, particularly in mice.

• Desirable: Experience with optical super-resolution modalities (e.g. STED, STORM, etc.).
• Experience with expansion microscopy or polymer chemistry.
• Experience in technology development for biological research (not necessarily in connectomics; building tools to unlock access to new questions is valued).
• Knowledge of mammalian brain organisation, particularly in mice, with some experience using tools such as the Allen Brain Atlas.
• Experience with image analysis tools (ImageJ, Huygens, etc.).
• Experience with computational tools such as Python and MATLAB (experience building with these tools is advantageous).

• Track record: Able to present evidence of independently executed research or tool development projects or significant contributions to such projects, including manuscripts, references, public projects, data or tool repositories (e.g. GitHub).
• Interest in cross-disciplinary research, high-risk projects, and collaborating on large projects that require teamwork and shared credit.

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a leading research institute with a history of innovation. The group emphasises collaboration across Divisions and access to strong infrastructure and training opportunities. The Molecular Brain Mapping group focuses on linking brain mapping, molecular physiology, and behaviour, using expansion microscopy as a central technology to generate rich multimodal datasets.

Security and employment: The role may require appropriate security screening/vetting as required by UKRI, and UKRI reserves the right to request or re-run clearance as needed during employment.

UKRI and MRC policies on diversity and inclusion apply. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and may offer accommodations for applicants with disabilities. A full pre-employment check, including security clearance where required, will be conducted for all offers of employment.