At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on mouse hypothalamus connectomics using innovative techniques.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and extensive health support.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field; experience in viral tracing and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits subject to skills and experience
Closing Date: 13/Jun/2026 23.59 GMT
Details of the role:
- Working pattern: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment
- Application closing date: 10th of June 2026 at 23.59
About us: The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.
About the role: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead an ambitious project aimed at reconstructing the cell-type-specific connectome of the mouse hypothalamus. You will combine viral tracing, spatial transcriptomics, and computational analysis to uncover how molecularly defined hypothalamic neuronal populations are interconnected to control instinctive behaviours and physiological states. To achieve this, the project will implement BRISC (Barcoded Rabies In Situ Connectomics), a recently developed method that combines barcoded rabies tracing with in situ sequencing to map long-range synaptic connectivity at high throughput and cellular resolution. The resulting datasets will link neuronal identity, spatial organization, and connectivity across hypothalamic circuits. The project will involve close interaction with computational and experimental collaborators and offers the opportunity to work at the interface of systems neuroscience, spatial transcriptomics, and data science.
The Research Group: The Kohl lab uses a multidisciplinary strategy, ranging from in vivo calcium imaging and in vivo / ex vivo electrophysiology to behavioural profiling, viral circuit tracing and molecular approaches to investigate the neuronal and circuit-level mechanisms by which physiological states alter information processing in the brain. Further details can be found at www.kohl-lab.org. Our team currently includes four postdocs, three PhD students, three research scientists, and one MSc student. We are committed to maintaining a supportive and collaborative research environment, and we particularly value collegiality and open scientific discussion. This project will involve close collaboration with the neighbouring Znamenskiy lab, which is developing in situ connectomics approaches for high-throughput reconstruction of neural circuits.
What you will be doing:
- Lead an independent and ambitious research project aligned with the aims outlined above.
- Develop and implement custom viral tracing and spatial transcriptomics workflows, including experimental pipelines, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Generate, analyse, and interpret high-quality datasets.
- Establish and maintain close collaborations with computational and experimental researchers within and beyond the institute.
- Scientific and technical support for group members.
- Data management and analysis, writing up of manuscripts.
- Presenting at scientific meetings.
- Guiding PhDs in their research.
About you: You will have:
- PhD in Neuroscience or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission.
- Experience with viral tracing, circuit neuroscience, systems neuroscience, or related approaches.
- Strong analytical, quantitative, and coding skills (particularly in Python).
- Experience handling and analysing large-scale biological datasets.
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in refereed journals.
- Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings.
About Working at the Crick: Our values: Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture. We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.
What will you receive? At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programmes. Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options. Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab employer: Crick Group
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and scientific exploration. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee well-being, including generous leave, health support, and professional development opportunities, the Crick empowers its researchers to pursue groundbreaking projects in a collegial atmosphere. Located in London, this prestigious institute not only values diversity and inclusion but also provides unique advantages such as visa sponsorship and extensive benefits, making it an ideal place for aspiring scientists to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Kohl Lab or similar research groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the lab's recent publications and projects. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely understand and are excited about the work being done.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your research ideas or past work during the interview. Make sure you can communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Crick community.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow position. Highlight your relevant experience in neuroscience, viral tracing, and data analysis to show us you're the perfect fit for the Kohl Lab.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your analytical and coding skills, especially in Python. We want to see how you've handled large-scale biological datasets and any publications you've contributed to—this will really make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your research experience and how it aligns with our goals at the Crick. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Kohl Lab.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crick Group
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Kohl Lab's recent publications and projects. Familiarise yourself with their methodologies, especially around viral tracing and spatial transcriptomics. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the lab's current projects or future directions. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking. For instance, inquire about how they envision the integration of computational analysis in their research or the collaborative dynamics with the Znamenskiy lab.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale biological datasets and coding in Python. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you successfully implemented these skills. Highlight any publications or presentations you've contributed to, as this aligns with the lab's focus on high-quality research output.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The Kohl Lab values collegiality and collaboration. Share experiences where you worked effectively in a team, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. Discuss how you can contribute to maintaining a supportive environment and how you plan to guide PhD students in their research.
