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 leave, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and diverse community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience with cutting-edge technology and collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field, with expertise in calcium imaging or electrophysiology.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 63700 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Petr Znamenskiy
Closing Date: 04/Mar/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. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high‑quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
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
- 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
Minimum requirement: See the full job description here.
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, and 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. If you need assistance with applying (i.e. would like to apply by phone or post) please email: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk
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, 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.
Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab employer: The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research that makes a real difference. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your growth in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Contact Details:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Znamenskiy lab or other researchers at the Crick. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the lab's recent publications. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about the research and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your past work or ideas during the interview. Make sure you can clearly communicate your findings and how they relate to the lab’s focus.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Crick.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - P Znamenskiy lab
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow position. Highlight your relevant experience in in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology, and showcase your coding skills in Python or MATLAB. This will help us see how you fit into our lab's research focus.
Showcase Your Research Impact:Don’t just list your publications; explain their significance! We want to know how your work contributes to the field of neuroscience. If you've got preprints or submitted manuscripts, mention those too – it shows you're actively engaged in research.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is reviewed promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Znamenskiy lab's recent publications and ongoing projects. Familiarise yourself with their methodologies, especially in vivo calcium imaging and molecular connectomics. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills align with their research goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Python or MATLAB, as well as any relevant electrophysiology techniques. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills, highlighting your problem-solving abilities and data analysis expertise.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the lab's future directions, collaborative opportunities, and how they foster innovation. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the lab is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Given the Crick's focus on collaboration, be sure to highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with others in research settings, and express your eagerness to contribute to a collegial environment that values diverse perspectives.
