"Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr William Schafer - LMB 2795"

Job Details

Postdoctoral Scientist
Salary £42,694 per annum
Fixed term, 3 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the group of Dr William Schafer at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), Cambridge, to work 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. Key approaches will include electron microscopy, expansion microscopy, in situ fluorescence labelling of neuronal cell types using RNA and antibody probes, image segmentation and neuronal tracing, and network analysis.

The ideal candidate will possess a background in connectomics and combination of skills in electron microscopy, analysis of neuronal gene expression using fluorescent probes and light microscopy, and network analysis The candidate will also have a PhD in a relevant biological subject or due to complete within 6 months.

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.

We are able to offer this role on a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 20 hours per week). 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 http://www.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: 12 April 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; recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.