Research Group Leader - Neurobiology - LMB 2531

Salary £65,940 - £74,448 per annum for appointment to Programme Leader Track

Starting Salary £50,608 - £58,919 per annum for appointment to Senior Investigator Scientist

Open-ended position

The Neurobiology Division of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) wishes to recruit an outstanding scientist to develop an independent research programme in molecular connectomics. This recruitment forms part of the LMB’s Molecular Connectomics Initiative, which aims to link the molecular biology of the synapse to whole-brain circuit mechanisms of behaviour. The LMB was the birthplace of connectomics through the pioneering work on the C. elegans connectome of White, Southgate, Thomson and Brenner. The Neurobiology Division, LMB and MRC are firmly committed to expanding this area of research: three new groups have already joined the division with a focus on using connectomics to address mechanisms of learned behaviour in both vertebrate and invertebrate model systems.

You will have a PhD, a strong track record of research and publications (including preprints) that matches your career stage, and outstanding potential for independent research. We are particularly enthusiastic about research programmes that would bridge synaptic resolution connectomes with molecular properties of synapses and neurons. Thematic fit and synergy are important, but scientific excellence and the potential for major impact are paramount.

PLT appointments for those who demonstrate potential to develop into tenured Programme Leaders within six-years. Outstanding early-stage post-doctoral fellows will be considered for an SIS position with the potential to progress to a PLT position within three-years.

The LMB has an inclusive and collaborative working culture, and you will be based in our 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. You will be able to access our range of excellent benefits including a staff restaurant with roof terrace, on-site nursery, sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme with an employer contribution of 16%, 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.

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 www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries can be made to the joint Heads of Division, Greg Jefferis (jefferis@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk) or Anne Bertolotti (aberto@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk).

To apply and access full details of the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

If you are unable to apply online please contact us at recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications will be reviewed on receipt. Shortlisting will be carried out for applications received by the 19 January 2025 with first interviews planned in February 2025.

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore, particularly welcome 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.