At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and conduct experiments in patch-clamp electrophysiology to explore brain function.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field with patch-clamp experience.
The predicted salary is between 52952 - 64720 £ per year.
This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
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.
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.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the lab on a 4-year fixed term contact. There is flexibility in the project choice, which will be jointly designed to match your interests. The key directions of the project will revolve around:
- Investigating how hormonal states and social experience modulate neuronal and circuit-level information processing across brain-wide parenting circuits.
- Exploring how neurons within circuits for instinctive behaviours change their functional roles throughout life.
You will employ slice electrophysiology and in vivo calcium imaging and/or electrophysiology, and other cutting-edge cellular and circuit-level techniques to study plasticity in instinctive behaviour circuits. Prior knowledge in patch-clamp electrophysiology is essential for this position.
This multidisciplinary project will be performed in close collaboration with leading systems neuroscience groups at the Crick, providing a dynamic and highly supportive research environment and will give you a chance to work with various teams at the Crick.
If you have expertise in patch clamp electrophysiology and are passionate about discovery research, we would love to hear from you.
Our team currently includes three postdocs, four 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.
Some of your key responsibilities will focus on:
- Designing experiments
- Carrying out experimental protocols
- Analysing data
- Reporting findings
- Assisting and/or supervising junior members of staff
- Keeping records of experiments
- Developing projects
You will have:
- PhD in Neuroscience or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission
- Excellent knowledge and experience of patch clamp electrophysiology, preferably in brain slices
- Experience in data analysis in Python or MATLAB
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
- Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
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.
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:
- Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
- 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays
- Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%
- 24/7 GP consultation services
- Occupational health services and mental health support programs
- Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans
- Back-up care for dependents
- Childcare support allowance
- Annual leave purchase options
- Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts
- Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction
Postdoctoral Fellow - Patch-clamp electrophysiology (Kohl lab) employer: Crick
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working on groundbreaking cancer research that makes a real difference in patients' lives. The institute's focus on cutting-edge science and supportive environment ensures that you can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Patch-clamp electrophysiology (Kohl lab)
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Patch-clamp electrophysiology (Kohl lab)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Crick that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Crick.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Crick does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crick
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Crick. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Crick's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Crick. This shows your passion for the industry!
