At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on mouse hypothalamus connectivity 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 benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic, supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field, with 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.
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. 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.
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:
- 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, open, and collegial. 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.
What will you receive?
- 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 programs.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
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 in London employer: Francis Crick Institute
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 and health support, the Crick empowers its researchers to pursue groundbreaking projects while promoting a culture of inclusivity and professional growth. Located in the heart of London, this prestigious institute provides unique opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to engage with leading scientists and contribute to vital biomedical research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Crick Institute through LinkedIn or academic conferences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the Kohl 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 we're doing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in viral tracing and data analysis can contribute to our ambitious research goals. Keep it concise and impactful – we want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Crick.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow role. Highlight your relevant experience in viral tracing and circuit neuroscience, and show how your skills align with the ambitious project at the Kohl Lab.
Show Off Your Research Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical and coding skills, especially in Python. Mention any previous projects where you handled large-scale biological datasets or published papers, as this will really catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest findings and methodologies related to your project. Familiarise yourself with the Kohl Lab's work and the specific techniques like BRISC that you'll be using. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to contribute.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with viral tracing, spatial transcriptomics, and data analysis. Brush up on your coding skills, especially in Python, as you may be asked to solve problems or discuss your approach to handling large datasets during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The Crick Institute values collegiality and collaboration. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you worked closely with others, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight how you can contribute to a supportive research environment and foster open scientific discussions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab’s current projects, future directions, and the collaborative opportunities with the Znamenskiy lab. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the lab is the right fit for you.
