Postdoctoral Scientist in Cambridge

Salary: £42,694 per annum

Fixed-term, 3 years

The Molecular Brain Mapping research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, UK) aims to solve fundamental questions of biological computation. We work on understanding the brain’s hardware components across information levels: from circuits to synapses and their molecular nano-architecture. We employ the new paradigm of “molecular connectomics.” We use expansion microscopy and other light microscopy tools to combine classical morphological neuron segmentation with the vast toolboxes of molecular biology — from immunostainings to viral neuron barcoding and more. This adds previously inaccessible dimensions to brain mapping at synaptic resolution.

Responsibilities:

• Design technology to unlock “molecular connectomics” datasets with multimodal molecular information across scales and functional dimensions.
• Develop new technologies that support this goal and extend our capabilities to integrate additional information channels.
• Use and further develop expansion microscopy for optical connectomics.
• Apply a variety of existing molecular tools to read out multiple information channels covering all classes of biomolecules and states of cellular function.

This work supports our aim of understanding animal behaviour mechanistically from the molecular and connectomics layer up.

Qualifications:

You should hold a PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or be able to evidence equivalent experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• On-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site.
• Staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities.
• Eligibility to join our defined benefit pension scheme.
• Holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days).
• A generous employee discount scheme.
• Training and development opportunities including support towards role‑related qualifications.

Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under‑represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require.

Application Details:

Closing date: Tuesday 21 July 2026

Final appointments will be subject to a pre‑employment screening. This role qualifies for endorsement by UKRI for a UK Global Talent Visa, for which the successful applicant is likely to be eligible to apply. Immigration costs (visa and health surcharge) can be reclaimed from UKRI after taking up the post (terms and conditions apply).