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MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Sven Truckenbrodt - LMB 2526
Cambridge On-site 0-2 yrs exp Research Services 544 employees
NeuroscienceMolecular BiologyBiotechnologyLight MicroscopyImmunostaining
Requirements
You should hold a PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field, or be able to evidence equivalent experience. Candidates due to complete their PhD within 6 months are also encouraged to apply.
Job Description
Postdoctoral Scientist
Salary £42,694 per annum
Fixed-term, 3 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
The Molecular Brain Mapping research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, UK) aims to solve fundamental questions of biological computation. To this end, we are working 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 (albeit using light microscopy, not electron microscopy) 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.
We are seeking a scientist excited about tackling long-standing problems in neuroscience by designing technology to unlock “molecular connectomics” datasets with multimodal molecular information across scales and functional dimensions. You will develop new technologies that support this goal and extend our capabilities to integrate additional information channels. You will also use and further develop expansion microscopy for optical connectomics as well as 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. You should hold a PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or due to complete one within 6 months, or be able to evidence equivalent experience and qualifications.
Informal enquiries can be made to Sven Truckenbrodt truckenbrodt@mrclmb.ac.uk
The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing 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.
The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and https//mrclmb.ac.uk.
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).
Closing date: 21 July 2026
Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.
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; recruit@mrclmb.ac.uk.
Salary £42,694 per annum
Fixed-term, 3 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
The Molecular Brain Mapping research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, UK) aims to solve fundamental questions of biological computation. To this end, we are working 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 (albeit using light microscopy, not electron microscopy) 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.
We are seeking a scientist excited about tackling long-standing problems in neuroscience by designing technology to unlock “molecular connectomics” datasets with multimodal molecular information across scales and functional dimensions. You will develop new technologies that support this goal and extend our capabilities to integrate additional information channels. You will also use and further develop expansion microscopy for optical connectomics as well as 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. You should hold a PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or due to complete one within 6 months, or be able to evidence equivalent experience and qualifications.
Informal enquiries can be made to Sven Truckenbrodt truckenbrodt@mrclmb.ac.uk
The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing 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.
The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and https//mrclmb.ac.uk.
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).
Closing date: 21 July 2026
Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.
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; recruit@mrclmb.ac.uk.
Education
Postgraduate Degree
Skills
NeuroscienceMolecular BiologyBiotechnologyLight MicroscopyImmunostainingViral Neuron BarcodingMolecular ConnectomicsOptical ConnectomicsData IntegrationAnimal Behaviour Analysis
About MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology is one of the world's leading research institutes. Our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health. The LMB is responsible for many pioneering techniques, such as methods for determining the three-dimensional structures of proteins and other macromolecules, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Our scientists tackle difficult, long-term research problems. At the same time they are encouraged to exploit their discoveries – through patents, licensing and business start-ups – helping to advance medical research and improve the UK’s economic competitiveness.