Senior Investigator Scientist Neurobiology

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB); Cambridge; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge seeks a Senior Investigator Scientist to lead projects focused on the neural circuit basis of behavior. The role requires expertise in computer vision and machine learning, with responsibilities including mapping synaptic wiring diagrams. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent experience, extensive research skills, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

40.5 days holiday

Employee discount scheme

Training and development opportunities

On-site parking

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc/MPhil with significant industry experience in computer vision.
• Experience in handling large collections of confocal microscopy stacks.
• Skills in monitoring and managing petabyte-scale data storage.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects on neural circuit mapping and connectome studies.
• Design and build machine learning approaches for volumetric electron microscopy.
• Conduct automated data analysis through cluster computing routines.

Skills

Experience in computer vision

Machine learning expertise

Computer programming in Python

Understanding of SQL

Analysing imagery of neurons

Education

PhD in relevant biological subject

MSc / MPhil plus significant industry experience

Job description

Senior Investigator Scientist (Software Engineer)
Starting Salary £52,253 - £60,834 per annum pro rata
Fixed term, 2 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

To lead on a range of projects within the group of Dr Albert Cardona at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), as part of an overall programme aimed at studying the neural circuit basis of behaviour. Specifically, to map the synaptic wiring diagram, or connectome, of whole brains, designing, building and using machine learning approaches to computer vision as applied to volume electron microscopy of whole brains.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant biological subject, or MSc / MPhil plus significant experience in industry in the field of computer vision and machine learning. They will also have extensive research experience in analysing imagery of neurons, handling large collections of confocal microscopy stacks, registering multi-terabyte series of electron microscopy images, setting up cluster computing routines for automated data analysis, system administration skills in monitoring and managing petabyte‑scale data storage servers and databases, and expertise in computer programming in python, JavaScript, SQL, and other programming languages. The full list of requirements is available in the job description.

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. Further information about the benefits available can be found at discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

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.

Closing date: 11th February 2026

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].