Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab in London

Salary for this Role From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Reports to: Petr Znamenskiy, Group Leader

Closing Date: 27/Sept/ GMT

This is a full-time, fixed term 4 year 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 Znamenskiy lab studies the relationship between the in vivo function, synaptic organization, and molecular identity of cortical neurons. We aim to understand how connections between different neuronal cell types are organized and how this organization enables the computations they perform. To do this, we combine approaches from systems and molecular neuroscience and develop new tools to relate gene expression and connectivity with the activity of cortical neurons. This project will investigate how different cell types that make up the cortical microcircuit respond to three-dimensional visual stimuli and how the inputs onto single depth-selective neurons give rise to their response properties. To accomplish this, this project, which you will lead on, will apply multiphoton calcium imaging to profile neuronal responses in virtual reality, correlative in situ sequencing to relate molecular identity of single neurons to their in vivo responses, and molecular connectomics to resolve the synaptic inputs of hundreds of neurons simultaneously.

We are seeking candidates with a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field who bring hands-on expertise in in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology, along with strong data analysis experience in Python and/or MATLAB. Candidates who combine quantitative skills with a collaborative mindset and an interest in research at the interface of systems and molecular neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Typical activities include:

• Developing project ideas and further research directions
• Designing and planning experiments
• Carrying out experimental protocols, including in vivo calcium imaging, behavioural experiments, and correlative in situ sequencing
• Keeping accurate records of experiments
• Analysing and interpreting experimental findings
• Presenting at laboratory meetings and/or interest groups
• Reporting findings through conference presentations and manuscripts
• Assisting and/or supervising junior members of staff

You will have:

• PhD in Neuroscience or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission
• Strong track record of scientific contribution, as evidenced by publications, preprints, or submitted manuscripts
• Experience in coding in Python or MATLAB
• Experience with in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology

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:

• 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 programs, 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.