At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on cortical neurons and their responses to visual stimuli.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment fostering creativity and collaboration, 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, with expertise in calcium imaging or electrophysiology.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Petr Znamenskiy
Closing Date: 27/Sept/2026 23.59 GMT
This is a full-time, fixed term 4 year position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
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: 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.
What you will be doing: 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
About you: 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
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:
- 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.
- 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 - P Znamenskiy 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 creativity in biomedical research. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with opportunities for growth and development, makes it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Francis Crick Institute. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Francis Crick Institute!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab in London
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 Francis Crick Institute 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 Francis Crick Institute.
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 Francis Crick Institute 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 Francis Crick Institute
✨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 Francis Crick Institute. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
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 Francis Crick Institute'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 Francis Crick Institute. This shows your passion for the industry!
