Research Group Leader
Starting Salary £50,608 - £58,919 per annum for appointment to Senior Investigator Scientist
Salary £65,940 - £74,448 per annum for appointment to Programme Leader Track
Open-ended position
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
The Neurobiology Division of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) wishes to recruit an outstanding scientist to develop an independent research programme in the area of 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. Current neural circuit research in the Division includes the mechanisms of learning and memory, sensory-motor processing, circadian rhythms and neuromodulation using model organisms including C. elegans, Drosophila, zebra finch and mice. There is already significant strength in generating and analysing connectomes. Additional research areas include the structural biology of the synapse and mechanisms of synaptic transmission, neuronal cell biology and protein misfolding and neurodegenerative disease. Please see www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/NB/ for additional information.
The LMB is dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of molecules, cells and organisms. Supported by long-term, core funding, our scientists tackle fundamental research problems that may take many years to bear fruit. This often includes the development of new technologies where LMB has made revolutionary contributions including X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the first genomes, and the development of monoclonal antibodies.
As an independent, core-funded research institute, LMB provides an unsurpassed environment to focus on scientific research. Group leaders carry out their own research with small, well supported teams. Scientists and graduate students are drawn from all over the world, creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and innovation. Approximately sixty research groups are divided across four scientific Divisions: Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. Collaboration across the LMB is extensive and there are excellent scientific facilities including electron and light microscopy, high performance computing and electromechanical workshops. We also benefit from a joint PhD programme and many collaborations with the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s preeminent universities in the natural sciences.
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).
Additional information:
Appointments will be made to Programme Leader Track (a tenure-track position) for those who demonstrate potential to develop into tenured Programme Leaders within six-years. There is also the option for appointment to a Senior Investigator Scientist position for recent PhD or MD graduates with the potential to progress to a Programme Leader Track position within three-years.
Submissions should include a cover letter and full CV, an outline of current research interests and a proposal for a future research programme that addresses an important problem in an innovative and creative way (up to three pages total), along with the names and addresses of three referees who have agreed to be contacted prior to interview.
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.
Closing date: 19 January 2025
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.