Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London

Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London

London Full-Time 47500 - 47500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Francis Crick Institute

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on mouse hypothalamus connectivity using advanced techniques.
  • Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and pension scheme.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and diverse culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience and collaborate with top scientists.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field, with experience in viral tracing and data analysis.

The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.

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.

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 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.

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.
  • Provide scientific and technical support for group members.
  • Manage data and analysis, write up manuscripts.
  • Present at scientific meetings.
  • Guide PhD students 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.

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, and mental health support.
  • Work‑Life Balance: Back‑up care for dependents and childcare support allowance.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London employer: The Francis Crick Institute

The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment for postdoctoral researchers to thrive in cutting-edge biomedical research. With state-of-the-art facilities, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development, the institute fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make significant contributions to science while enjoying a supportive work-life balance.

The Francis Crick Institute

Contact Details:

The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team

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 members of the Kohl Lab on LinkedIn or at 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 lab's recent publications. Show us you know your stuff and can contribute to ongoing projects. It’ll impress the team and show your genuine interest!

Tip Number 3

Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your research ideas or past work during the interview. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging to keep us hooked!

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 you’re serious about joining our awesome team!

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Kohl Lab in London

Viral Tracing
Spatial Transcriptomics
Computational Analysis
Data Acquisition
Data Management
Data Analysis
Python Programming

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow position. Highlight your experience with viral tracing and circuit neuroscience, as well as any relevant publications. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious project!

Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical and coding skills, especially in Python. If you've handled large-scale biological datasets, let us know! This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to our research.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your research experience and achievements. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your journey better!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Francis Crick Institute!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute

Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your research project and the methodologies involved, especially viral tracing and spatial transcriptomics. Be ready to discuss how your previous work aligns with the aims of the Kohl Lab and how you can contribute to their ambitious projects.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your analytical and coding skills, particularly in Python. Bring examples of how you've handled large-scale biological datasets in the past, and be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used for data analysis and interpretation.

Highlight Collaboration Experience

Collaboration is key in a multidisciplinary environment like the Crick Institute. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with other researchers or teams, and how you plan to establish and maintain collaborations within and beyond the institute.

Prepare for Scientific Presentation

Since presenting at scientific meetings is part of the role, practice summarising your research findings clearly and concisely. Think about how you would present your work to both specialised and general audiences, and be ready to answer questions that may arise during your presentation.