Postdoctoral Scientist | Neurobiology | Dr William Schafer | LMB 3009

UK Research and Innovation; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension scheme

Excellent holiday entitlement

Employee discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

UK Research and Innovation in Cambridge seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist to work with Dr William Schafer on mapping the octopus brain connectome using volume electron microscopy and expansion microscopy.

You will develop and apply diverse techniques, present at seminars, contribute to publications and mentor junior researchers, within a three-year training and development framework.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant subject or to complete within 6 months.
• Experience with volume EM or expansion microscopy-based connectomics; computational skills incl. genome analysis.
• Track record of research with publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research to map neural wiring in the octopus brain.
• Apply a range of techniques to pursue project objectives with supervision.
• Present work at seminars and external meetings; contribute to publications.
• Contribute to group operations and training of junior researchers.
• Engage in public engagement and translate findings to health-relevant insights.

Skills

Volume EM

Expansion microscopy

Genome analysis

Fluorescent markers

Light microscopy

Neuroscience

Behaviour analysis

C. elegans experience

Octopus hatchlings experience

Education

PhD in a relevant subject

Job description

Salary

£42,694 per annum

Overall Purpose

To work within the group of Dr William Schafer at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at mapping and analysing the structure of the hatchling octopus brain connectome. Specifically, to undertake research to us a combination of volume electron microscopy and expansion/light microscopy to study wiring of neural circuits in the octopus optic lobe and central brain.

Main duties

• To undertake research aimed at characterising neuropeptide signaling pathways in C. elegans and the hatchling octopus brain.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To contribute to the LMB's mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.

Key responsibilities

• Within the overall direction of the programme, the group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan.
• To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor.
• To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.
• To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
• To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
• To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

Working relationships

You will report to Dr William Schafer and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.

Additional information

This is a three-year training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

• MRC training courses.
• External training and personal development courses.
• One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.

You will commit to undertaking the following:

• Developing and following a personal development plan.
• Attending training courses.
• Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.

Person Specification

Academic qualifications: These should include a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete a PhD within 6 months.

Technical skills and expertise: Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project. Particularly useful would be experience of volume EM or expansion microscopy-based connectomics; computational skills, in particular with respect to genome analysis; analysis of neuronal gene expression using fluorescent markers and light microscopy; expertise in cellular and molecular neuroscience; experience in the quantitative analysis of behaviour; experience working with C. elegans and/or octopus hatchlings.

Track record of research: This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of: Commitment; Originality; Ability to communicate; Working with others.

Additional information: Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter.

Corporate Responsibilities

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: Code of Conduct, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, Health and Safety policy, Data Protection policy.

Security Screening

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Benefits

• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Excellent holiday entitlement.
• Access to employee shopping/travel discounts.
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We encourage applications from all sections of society irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role.

Legal and Corporate Information

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.