Postdoctoral Scientist | Neurobiology | LMB 3026

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MRC training courses

External training and development

One-to-one supervision

Tailored development programme

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology invites applications for a three-year training post in its recruiting team, within a molecular connectomics programme on Drosophila. The successful candidate will build methods linking neuronal gene expression to electron microscopy maps and apply them to sex-specific circuit development.

A relevant PhD in neurobiology, or near completion, is required. The trainee will develop skills across neuroscience, imaging, software development and ML for neural data

Qualifications

• PhD in neurobiology or related field, to be awarded within 6 months.
• Track record of research contributions and publications.
• Experience with techniques relevant to the project and neural data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Research neural circuit development in Drosophila.
• Identify, develop and apply diverse methods as required.
• Plan work on a 12-month basis and manage experiments with supervision.
• Present work at seminars and external meetings.
• Draft scientific papers and contribute to publications.
• Ensure compliance with good practice and regulatory requirements.
• Support group operations and train others.
• Contribute to public engagement and translation to healthcare.

Skills

Neural techniques

Neural development

Microscopy

Image analysis

Software development

Machine learning

Education

PhD in neurobiology

Job description

This is a three-year training post in the recruiting team at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, within a molecular connectomics programme on Drosophila. The postholder will build methods linking neuronal gene and protein expression to reference electron microscopy wiring maps, then apply them to sex-specific circuit development. It suits recent PhD graduates or researchers changing field, with training built in. A relevant PhD, preferably in neurobiology, or one due within six months, is required.

What the job involves

• Research the development and function of neural circuits in Drosophila
• Identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques, including new methods where required
• Shape the direction of the project with the Group Leader within its three-year lifespan
• Plan own work on a 12-month basis and manage experiments with the Supervisor
• Present work at laboratory seminars and external meetings, and join lab-wide discussions
• Draft scientific papers and contribute to preparing research for publication
• Ensure research meets good practice and local and legal requirements
• Support the smooth running of the group, including resources, communal facilities and training others
• Assist in training PhD students and other LMB members
• Contribute to public engagement and to translating findings into health care improvements
• Enhance own research and generic skills through a tailored development programme
• Develop and follow a personal development plan and attend training courses

What’s required

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant subject, preferably neurobiology, or due to complete within 6 months

Experience

• Track record of research, including achievements and contributions to published papers

Skills & knowledge

• Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project
• Experience of neural development
• Experience of microscopy
• Experience of image analysis
• Experience of software development
• Experience of machine learning for neural data analysis

Checks & eligibility

• Appropriate level of security screening or vetting for the role

Other

• Evidence of commitment, originality, ability to communicate and working with others
• Full CV and covering letter

Nice to have

• Experience of the architecture of olfactory or descending-to-motor circuits

What’s offered

• MRC training courses
• External training and personal development courses
• One-to-one training with the Supervisor and other scientists
• Tailored development programme to build research and generic skills